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

Bony ProminencesBony Prominences

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

Pressure UlcersPressure Ulcers

Prevention and Treatment

                                                            

RememberRemember…………

Older persons require special skin care.

Protein is an essential nutrient for skin repair

Follow Standard Precautions

Review

A pressure ulcer is the same as a decubitus ulcer ?

True False

Review

Pressure ulcers usually occur over a

_______________. Bony prominence

Review

Protein is the most important nutrient for wound healing.

True or False

Review

Cracked and peeling skin is an early sign of decubitus ulcers

True or False

Review

Severely underweight?

A. obesity

B. anemia

C. paralysis

D. emaciation

Review

Person’s at risk for ulcers are repositioned QID.

True or False

Review

BID

QS

PRN

STAT

BR

Twice a day

Every shift

As needed

immediately

bedrest

Questions??