Module 2(Part A & E) Flashcards
What are pressure ulcers?
-They are impairment of skin integrity related to unrelieved, prolonged pressure.
Note: Also known as pressure sore, decubitus ulcer and bedsore.
What kind of injury are pressure ulcers?
They are localised injury to the skin and other underlying tissue usually over a body prominence.
What causes pressure ulcers?
- A result of pressure.
- Pressure in combination with shear or friction.
- Pressure in combination with shear and friction.
What are the risk factors for pressure ulcer formation?
- Pressure is the major cause
- Factors that interferes with blood flow
- illnesses
- People over 70 years are particularly vulnerable
- Poor mobility
- Aging skin
- Poor nutrition
- Plaster casts
- Intensive care
- Circulation problem
Pressure is the major element in the cause of pressure ulcers. What are the 3 pressure related factors that contribute to pressure ulcer development?
- Pressure intensity
- Pressure duration
- Tissue tolerance
How is classification of pressure ulcers made?
By the pressure ulcer depth at the point of assessment.
What is the first stage of pressure ulcer development?
Nonblanchable Redness of Intact Skin.
What is the second stage of pressure ulcer development?
Partial-thickness Skin Loss or Blister.
What is the third stage of pressure ulcer development?
Full-thickness Skin Loss(Fat visible).
What is the fourth stage of pressure ulcer development?
Full-thickness Tissue Loss(Muscle/Bone Visible).
What are the sites to assess for risk of pressure ulcer development?
- Occiput(Back of the head)
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Base of spine
- Hip
- Sacrum(tailbone)
- Buttocks area
- Ankle
- Heel
- Toes
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force/pressure exerted by the circulating blood on the wall of the arteries.
What is systolic pressure?
It is the highest point of pressure on the arterial walls when the ventricles contract and push blood through the arteries at the beginning of systole.
What is diastolic pressure?
It is the lowest pressure present on the arterial walls during diastole.
The measurement of blood pressure is in?
Millimeters of mercury(mm Hg)
The numerator is the _____________; the denominator is the ____________.
systolic pressure; diastolic pressure
What should we do to get an accurate assessment of blood pressure?
- We should know what equipment to use.
- We should know which site to use.
- We should know how to identify the sounds we hear.
What are korotkoff sounds?
A series of sounds for which to listen when assessing blood pressure.
What are the most common sites used to assess blood pressure?
The brachial artery and popliteal artery.
Why do we estimate the systolic pressure?
To prevent inaccurate readings in the presence of an auscultatory gap( a pause in the auscultated sounds).
What are the equipment used when assessing for blood pressure?
- Stethoscope
- Sphygmomanometer
- Blood pressure cuff of appropriate size
- Pencil or pen
- Paper or flowsheet
- Alcohol swab
- PPE as indicated
When should a body part or region not be used when taking blood pressure?
- Presence of a cast
- Arteriovenous shunt
- Injured or disease limb
- Breast or Axilla surgery (BP should not be taken on the side of the body corresponding to the arm used)
What are the factors that can affect blood pressure reading?
- Patient’s age
- Exercise
- Position
- Weight
- Fluid balance
- Smoking
- Medication
- Pain
- Stress
- Caffein or Energy drinks
What are the types of BP?
- Lying
- Sitting
- Standing
What is intra-arterial blood pressure?
- It is a monitoring technique that is commonly used in the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) and Operating Theatre.
- This technique involves direct measurement of arterial pressure by inserting a cannula needle in a suitable artery.
Blood pressure is recorded as a ________.
fraction
What is the average blood pressure of a healthy adult?
120/80 mm Hg
The blood pressure of an elderly ranges from:
140-160 systolic
70-90 diastolic
The blood pressure of an adult ranges from:
90- 132 systolic
60- 85 diastolic
Define hypertension?
- It is defined as a blood pressure higher than normal.
- Also known as High Blood Pressure(HBP)
Note: This is based on the average of two or more accurate blood pressure measurements during two or more consultations with the healthcare provider.