Pressure Ulcer Prevention Strategies

Pressure Ulcer Prevention Strategies

■ Inspect skin at the beginning of each shift and document findings. More frequent (every 2 hours) assessments are required for debilitated Pts. ■ Effectively manage urine and fecal incontinence. ■ Clean skin promptly, using mild, nonirritating, nondrying cleaning solution, and avoid friction during cleaning. ■ Use topical moisture barriers and moisture-absorbing pads for incontinent Pts. ■ Position Pts to alleviate pressure and shearing forces. ■ Reposition Pts every 2 hours while in bed and every hour while in chair. ■ Teach Pt to shift weight every 15 minutes while in chair. ■ Use appropriate positioning devices and foam padding. ■ Do not use donut-shaped devices. ■ Avoid positioning Pts directly on trochanters or directly on wound. ■ Maintain lowest head elevation position possible to minimize sacral pressure. ■ Utilize extra staff and appropriate lifting devices. ■ Prevent contractures. ■ Provide adequate hydration and nutrition. ■ Do not massage reddened areas over bony prominences.