Nursing Assistant Monthly OCTOBER 2007 Preventing pressure ulcers Observe and Report Preventing pressure ulcers

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 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 What do they look like?

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, life- threatening pressure ulcer in a resident. »Studies show that pressure ulcers can be prevented!