Decub prevention devices?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm sure this has been covered several times but I can't really find anything, so thanks in advance.

I started working homecare (not home health) a few months ago and will be visiting a client with a textbook stage I coccygeal decub. She has not been a regular client for several weeks but wants me to come look at the wound and give my nursing advice as opposed to going out to her MD, which is very flattering to say the least! :yeah:

She's in her 90's and is fairly ambulatory, is very A&O and continent, eats well, and has a son who's very actively involved in her care.

My question is, aside from A&D, zinc oxide, repositioning, nutritional education, and the usual preventive measures, are there any specific cushions or devices that anybody here has used in this sort of situation that I may recommend she try? I'm guessing the redness is being caused when she sits in her chair, as she is able to reposition herself when she goes to bed. I was told by one of my instructors in school that the old "donuts" actually make things worse by causing additional shear.

Thanks again, fellow nursies! :D

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Have you ever seen the "waffle" mattresses that some hospitals use? Well, I think that there are small ones that are made for chairs...

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There are tons of seat cushions out there. The egg crates really do nothing and a donut will make things worse. You can look into a medical supply store to find some other options. Alot depends on how much you are able to spend or what will be covered by insurance. Gel cushions, waffle cushions, roho cushions......

A good multivitamin and hi protien food options are good too.

Biggest thing....no matter what pressure releiving surface you choose is still remmeber that you need to change positions. We try to do at least q 1hr position changes while oob in a chair.

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Specializes in Home Care, Hospice, OB.

try a rojo cushion for her chair, and remind her to get up or shift (cheek to cheek) every hour or so while awake.

also, google the wocn website-wealth of info there! sorry i can't find the url.

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