Cloth chux vs. draw sheets?

Nurses General Nursing

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I work at a long-term care facility Who always had the role of turning and positioning patients every 2 to 3 hours using a three-phase positioning method which includes left, right & back (not exactly in that order).she has implemented a new turn and position which only turns patients left to right no back.what are your thoughts?

Second problem we're having is her deciding to remove all cloth chux and leave patience placed on only draw sheets to prevent bed sores .I work on a high-volume ,very demanding and high acuity mixed unit which is 80% respiratory patients and most are totally incontinent.We are constantlyshort staffed and unable to sometimes change patients within the to the three hour span that's necessary as we are working 30 patients to 2-3 aides on a regular day shift. What are your thoughts on draw sheets vs cloth chux concerning bed sores?

Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

Depends on the chux and training. If the patient is moved as a unit with whatever's under them, shear isn't an issue. It can be with people who are less skilled or more hurried. A chux isn't going to increase PUs, but some brands may increase shear with less careful movement. The same is true for sheets with more friction. A less absorbent item may increase maceration. Removing back may be reactionary and based on personal experiences with patients always seeming to be on their back when management comes in. My anecdotal hospital experience is that when patients come in with substantial PU from LTC, that the worst ones are coccygeal, calf, and heel, suggesting primary back positioning.

Are beds with LAL an option?

We got rid of chux (paper and cloth) years ago. The folded draw sheet works just a well. I've seen not change in our pressure ulcer rates with or without them. What is the reasoning behind not letting residents lay on their backs? Are they taking into account the time that they spend sitting upright for meals? are there wounds on that area??

Our acuity varies in my LTC but it normally is very high in the one unit. Lots of total care, sick residents. The residents that are incontinent wear briefs. No chux = more frequent changing = less wounds due to incontinence.

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