Prevention of Pressure Sores

Bed Cradle

In order to prevent pressure sores it is important that you change your client’s position at the appropriate time, to properly distribute their weight.

Nevertheless, since pressure sores can develop within a few hours of neglect, constant vigilance and good nursing care can prevent them.

Areas of Risk.

Bed sores are most likely going to develop around the bony protrusions of the body. Bed sores can develop anywhere where body weight restricts blood flow.

Stages of Development on the body.

The three stages of pressure sores are:

1. The first stage will reveal some red irritation and redness of the skin in the effected area.

2.In the second stage, blueish discoloration happens in blotches as tissue begins to die from lack of circulation.

3. In the third stage, a tear in the skin occurs it can quickly turn into a decubitus ulceration.  (Completely destroying the tissue underneath.

Bed sore prevention tips

Pressure sores can develop quickly and complicate a clients recovery and extend their stay by weeks or months, Be sure to do the following:

Client’s position must be moved every two hours.

Pressure sores can complicate recovery of the patient for weeks and even months. Therefore, nursing personnel must be alert and perform the following preventive measures.

Carefully inspect the client’s skin during the client’s bath time.

Massage all bony prominence’s to assist in circulation.

Report any suspicious red inflammation on skin

Keep client’s skin and sheets clean. Remove any wrinkles from clients bed sheet.

Treatment of Pressure Sores.

The best treatment is prevention by proper nursing care. The medical officer’s orders must be followed for application of any medication. Aseptic technique must be used on any broken skin areas.