MNAMosbyMosby’’s Long Term Care Assistants Long Term Care Assistant Chapter 36 Pressure UlcersChapter 36 Pressure Ulcers
Pressure UlcersPressure Ulcers
Decubitus Ulcer
Death of tissue due to lack of O2Usually occurs over a bony
prominence
Causes:Pressure, friction, shearingPoor circulationMoistureIrritation from urine and feces
Pressure UlcersPressure Ulcers
Persons at Risk Confined to bed or chairRequires help to moveIncontinentPoor nutrition (protein needed for
tissue repair)Altered mental statusDecrease sensationPoor circulationAgeObese or emaciatedAnemic
Pressure UlcersPressure Ulcers
Signs Pale skin
Reddened area
Blisters
Pain, burning, tingling
Skin or tissue loss
Pressure UlcersPressure Ulcers
Stage 1 – red, skin does not return to normal when pressure is relieved
Stage 2 – skin cracks, blisters or peels
Stage 3 – skin is gone. Underlying tissue is exposed. drainage
Stage 4 – muscle and bone exposed
Pressure UlcersPressure Ulcers
Prevention and TreatmentMuch easier to prevent then treat
Cleanliness
Turn and position Q2h
Pillows for padding
Use lift sheets
Pressure UlcersPressure Ulcers
Prevention and Treatment
Lotion and moisturizersDry, wrinkle free linensNEVER rub or massage red
areasProtective devicesReport and record
RememberRemember…………
Older persons require special skin care.
Protein is an essential nutrient for skin repair
Follow Standard Precautions