Decubitus ulcer prevention

[Nvr2Old]

Clueless nursing student here. :uhoh21: Our group in class is to do a presentation on the prevention of pressure ulcers. I know patients should be turned/repositioned but that's where my knowledge ends. Anything creative that I may be able to share? Thanks in advance.

[geniann]

Air mattresses, Float heels on pillows, skin prep to boney prominences and tips of toes, massages (especially to back and buttocks) with lotion to incease circulation, proper incontinent care followed by generous application of zinc oxide, and obviously, proper hydration and protein rich nutrition (if diet allows). Hope that helps:nurse:

[nursbaybie, BSN, RN]

Yes, APP mattresses, or actually low air loss mattresses are better,

applying something like a and d to certain areas is good to keep the skin greasy therefore prventing things from sticking to it such as for wounds that occur in folds of skin for obese patients. we usually add a regimin of mvi, vitamin c 250 mg bid, and zinc oxide. Nutrition is really one of the most important if not the most important preventative as well as treatment modalities for pressure ulcers. Floating heels means to put a pillow under the calfs to keep the heels essentially floating in the air where no pressure applies. sometimes a food cradle is good if the toes are at risk. this keeps the pressure of the covers from ulcerizing the tops of the toes. (kidding about he word ulcerizing).

yes frequent turning and repositioning is vital, but with some specialized mattresses, turning is less important. Keeping urine and stool off the skin is vital as well becuase excessive moisture is a breeding ground for skin ulceration. when an area of skin is reddened, has temperature changes, texture changes, and/or pain/itchiness (pruritis), and especially if the redness is not blanchable meaning that when you press on it and it turns red, it stays red for a long period of time. If that happens, as a CNA, reporting this to your charge nurse as soon as possible is vital. This is what may save that area from becoming a stage 3 or 4 ulcer. Before notifiying the nurse, however, you as a cna, can take the initiative to immediately remove the source of pressure. Prevention is key. I know this is about 8 months late, but maybe it may help someone else in the future.