3 Primary Contributing Factors to Pressure Sores
Q. Why is it important to follow the agreed care plan?
It is important to follow the agreed care plan because that’s the plan that both the individual and the individuals family has produced. It’s the way in which the individual wants to be cared for and holds very important and confidential information about the individual.
Q. How can incorrect handling and moving techniques can damage the skin?
Poor moving and handling techniques can increase a person’s risk, particularly moving someone up in the bed/chair as there is an increased risk of both shear and friction forces on the skin. Incontinence Exposure to constant moisture damages the skin; urine and faeces are particularly irritating.
- Sustained pressure. When your skin and the underlying tissues are trapped between bone and a surface such as a wheelchair or bed, the pressure may be greater than the pressure of the blood flowing in the tiny vessels (capillaries) that deliver oxygen and other nutrients to tissues.
- Friction.
- Shear.
Q. Why is prevention of pressure ulcer so important?
One of the most important preventive measures is decreasing mechanical load. If patients cannot adequately turn or reposition themselves, this may lead to pressure ulcer development. It is critical for nurses to help reduce the mechanical load for patients. This includes frequent turning and repositioning of patients.
Q. How often should pressure relief be given?
You should be encouraged to change position often and at least every 6 hours. For adults at high adults at high risk and for babies, children and y babies, children and young people oung people this should be even more often (at least every 4 hours).
Q. What 5 areas does the Braden Scale assess?
The Braden Scale is a scale made up of six subscales, which measure elements of risk that contribute to either higher intensity and duration of pressure, or lower tissue tolerance for pressure. These are: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, friction, and shear.
Q. What is the Braden Scale assessment tool?
The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk, is a tool that was developed in 1987 by Barbara Braden and Nancy Bergstrom. The purpose of the scale is to help health professionals, especially nurses, assess a patient’s risk of developing a pressure ulcer.
Q. What areas on the body are common sites for pressure ulcer development?
Pressure ulcers can affect any part of the body that’s put under pressure. They’re most common on bony parts of the body, such as the heels, elbows, hips and base of the spine.
Q. Which areas on the body are very sensitive to pressure?
Areas where bones are close to the surface (called “bony prominences”) and areas that are under the most pressure are at greatest risk for developing pressure sores. In bed, body parts can be padded with pillows or foam to keep bony prominences (areas where bones are close to the skin surface) free of pressure.
Q. What are the three causes of pressure ulcers?
There are three potential causes of pressure ulcers: loss of movement, failure of reactive hyperaemia and loss of sensation. The creation of a pressure ulcer can involve one, or a combination of these factors.
Q. What are at least 5 risk factors for pressure ulcer development?
Risk factors
- Immobility. This might be due to poor health, spinal cord injury and other causes.
- Incontinence. Skin becomes more vulnerable with extended exposure to urine and stool.
- Lack of sensory perception.
- Poor nutrition and hydration.
- Medical conditions affecting blood flow.
