Preventing Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers can be prevented by repositioning, through repositioning you can prevent skin breakdown and the development of bedsores (Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, 2016). Additionally, other strategies include maintaining good nutrition, exercising, having a good fluid intake, and taking care of the skin so it is not dry (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020).

For Repositioning:
Ask for help with repositioning constantly-approximately once every hour (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020).

Moving by lifting or shifting weight- this is done to avoid putting excessive amounts of pressure on one side (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020).

Adjust the elevation of the head of the bed- If you raise the head of the bed so that it is elevated, however not more than 30 degrees it will aid in preventing shearing (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020). 

For Skin Care:
Keep Skin Clean and Dry- Washing the skin with a gentle cleanser and patting to dry (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020)

Protect Skin- With barrier creams, or other lotions that protect it from irritants, such as urine, or feces (Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, 2016).

Keep Sheets Washed and Wrinkle Free- Wrinkles in bedding linens can irritate the skin

Inspect Skin- Through inspecting skin we can observe if there are warning signs for the development of pressure ulcers (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020).


                                                                             References

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020, February 29). Bedsores (pressure ulcers). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-sores/symptoms-causes/syc-20355893#:~:text=Prevention,managing%20stress%2C%20and%20exercising%20daily.

Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario. (2016). Assessment and management of pressure injuries for the Interprofessional team, third edition. Nursing Best Practice Guidelines. Retrieved from https://rnao.ca/bpg/guidelines/pressure-injuries