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Preventing pressure ulcers Observe and Report Nursing Assistant Monthly OCTOBER 2007 Preventing pressure ulcers Other names for pressure ulcers • Bedsores • Pressure sores • Decubitus ulcers Nursing Assistant Monthly OCTOBER 2007 Preventing pressure ulcers What is a pressure ulcer? • An area of injury to the skin and underlying tissues… » caused by lack of enough flow of blood to an area… » when blood vessels are squeezed shut from pressure against the skin. Nursing Assistant Monthly OCTOBER 2007 Preventing pressure ulcers What do they look like? It depends on: • Stage: How severe is it? » From stage 1 (area of discolored skin) to stage 4 (deep wound) • The skin’s normal color » Person with light skin: stage 1 may appear reddened » Person with dark skin: stage 1 may appear darkened Nursing Assistant Monthly OCTOBER 2007 Preventing pressure ulcers Where do they occur? • Usually over areas where bone is near the surface » Hips, ankles, elbows, heels, “tailbone” • Anywhere there is pressure against the skin » Nasal oxygen tubing pressing against ears or foreign object in shoe Nursing Assistant Monthly OCTOBER 2007 Preventing pressure ulcers Why worry? • Because pressure ulcers can: » become infected » be very painful » lead to loss of a limb or disfigurement » be deadly, usually because of massive infection and fluid loss when they drain. • Also, your facility could be cited for providing poor care. Nursing Assistant Monthly OCTOBER 2007 Preventing pressure ulcers How to prevent pressure ulcers AVOID PRESSURE AGAINST SKIN • Position residents very carefully; protect fragile skin • Avoid pressure on skin from parts of wheelchair, bed, wrinkled sheets, clothing, etc. LOOK! • Observe skin when providing daily care REPORT • Tell the nurse if you see changes in skin’s appearance Nursing Assistant Monthly OCTOBER 2007 Preventing pressure ulcers Remember… • Help residents to get enough nutrition and water to help prevent or heal pressure ulcers. • Don’t massage the area! This can damage delicate tissues underneath! • Keep skin clean and dry » urine and feces can damage skin quickly Nursing Assistant Monthly OCTOBER 2007 Preventing pressure ulcers Keep the nurse informed • CNAs see the residents’ skin more often than any other staff, so… » Your observations can mean the difference between healthy skin and a serious, lifethreatening pressure ulcer in a resident. » Studies show that pressure ulcers can be prevented! Nursing Assistant Monthly OCTOBER 2007 Preventing pressure ulcers
