pressure ulcer prevention
Skin Care
SN instructed patient and caregiver that the key difference between a suspected deep tissue injury (sDTI) and an unstageable pressure ulcer is that sDTI involves intact skin, whereas an unstageable ulcer involves a breakdown into at least the subcutaneous tissue. An unstageable ulcer is covered with necrotic tissue, such as slough or eschar, formed from remnants of the collagen matrix of subcutaneous tissue. So it’s always a full-thickness ulcer either stage III or stage IV.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on preventing skin tears. In terms of prevention, protective arm sleeves are helpful. The use of paper or gentle release tapes is also a better alternative to nylon tape, when it comes to sensitive or aging skin. In addition, it is important to routinely moisturize dry skin with an appropriate moisturize barrier. As we age, hydrating dry skin helps to replenish missing skin and keep skin healthy and intact. Oral hydration is important as well. Patient and caregiver verbalize understanding instructions given.
Patient was instructed on the importance of a good skin care which can prevent most pressure sores (bedsores) which develop in people who have already skin damage, who are mentally confused, who are bed bound or cannot turn side to side.
Patient was instructed on the importance of skin integrity to avoid future complication. With a good skin care it is possible to prevent most pressure sore (bed sores), that can develop quickly in people who are very thin or obese, or who collect fluids in their tissues, who have poor nutrition, who are elderly.