Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Transcription

1 Pressure Ulcer Prevention Information for Patients Excellent Care with Compassion

2

3 What is a pressure ulcer? A pressure ulcer is damage to the skin and the deeper tissue. Pressure ulcers are sometimes known as pressure sores or bed sores. Pressure ulcer severity can range from a reddening of the skin to an open cavity wound with damage to the muscle and even bone. What causes a pressure ulcer? The most common causes of a pressure ulcer are Unrelieved continual pressure to the same area of skin. This cuts off the blood supply to that area. When this happens for a long period of time the skin and deeper tissues are damaged and a pressure ulcer develops. Shearing. This is stretching and tearing between the skin layers and deeper tissue, causing damage and a pressure ulcer can develop, e.g., sliding down the bed. Friction against the top layers of the skin can cause damage. Who is at risk? Anyone can get a pressure ulcer. Some people are more at risk than others. You are more at risk if you: Have problems moving or changing position. Smoke. Smoking reduces the levels of oxygen in your blood and weakens your immune system, which increases your risk of developing pressure ulcers. Cannot feel pain in some areas of your body, e.g., your feet. Have poor circulation due to damage or partial blockage of blood vessels. Have problems controlling your bladder and/or bowel. Are seriously ill, or have had major surgery. 3

4 Have a poor or reduced diet and become dehydrated. Have had a previous pressure ulcer. Are over the age of 70 (NHS Choices). How can pressure ulcers be prevented? Pressure ulcers can develop very quickly sometimes within a few hours. One of the best ways to prevent a pressure ulcer is to reduce or relieve pressure by careful movement. There are many different types of mattress that can help reduce pressure and assist in preventing a pressure ulcer. If you use a wheelchair or sit for a long period of time you may also require a special cushion. If your skin is too wet or too dry you may need to use a barrier cream. Gentle application of a thin layer of cream will help to protect your skin and reduce the chance of a pressure ulcer developing. Pressure points toe shoulder blades heel sacrum spine elbows shoulder blades back of head spinal protrusion elbows sacral ischial tuberosity ankle knee hip shoulder ear heels 4

5 What can you do to help yourself? There are some simple steps that you can do to help prevent pressure ulcers. Wash daily using warm water and pat dry, do not rub your skin as this can cause damage. Check your skin and alert staff if there are any signs of: Red patches. Purple patches. Blisters. Swelling. Pain. Patches of hard skin. Keep moving and change position at least every 4 hours including your arms and legs to reduce pressure to your elbows and heels. Stop smoking. If you are a smoker, giving up is one of the most effective ways of preventing a pressure ulcer. Eat well and drink plenty of water. Not doing so leads to poor skin condition and delayed wound healing. (see the eatwell plate below). Without care, pressure ulcers can become very serious and may require a stay in hospital. They may be very painful and take a long time to heal. Very severe pressure ulcers can badly damage the muscle or bone. Severe pressure ulcers can take a very long time to heal. Any open wound is also at risk of infection. Working together we can reduce your risk of developing a pressure ulcer. Whilst you are in hospital nursing staff will complete an assessment that will help them in providing you with the right equipment. The staff on the ward will assist you in moving to help prevent pressure ulcers. Both you and the nursing staff need to work as a team to help prevent pressure ulcers from occurring. 5

6 For more details on pressure ulcer prevention contact the tissue viability team on The eatwell plate Use the eatwell plate to help you get the balance right. It shows how much of what you eat should come from each food group. Fruit and vegetables Bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods Meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein Foods and drinks high in fat and/or sugar Milk and dairy foods Public Health England in association with the Welsh Government, the Scottish Government and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland Crown copyright

7 References ArjoHuntleigh. Pressure points. May Houghton Hall Business Park, Houghton Regis, Beds, LU5 5XF National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Pressure ulcers: the management of pressure ulcers in primary and secondary care. NICE Clinical Guideline 29 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Pressure ulcers prevention and management. Information for the public. April NHS Choices Your health, your choices. Pressure ulcers. September aspx Your Turn. Pressure area care. April uk/useful-resources/ Food Standards Agency. 7

8 Sources of further information Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. Please ask if you would like help in understanding this information. This information can be made available in large print and in other languages. Department: Tissue Viability Directorate: Nursing Production date: April 2016 Review date: April 2019 LTHTR/Tr/2016April/0237 Excellent Care with Compassion