Pressure Ulcers

Question 1

What are pressure ulcers?

Answer 1

area of skin that breaks down/ dies because of the lack of blood flow

Question 2

Who are the people most likely with pressure ulcers

Answer 2

elderly and those with limited mobility

Question 3

Sites for bed sores

Answer 3

butt, elbow, hips, heels, ankles, shoulders, back, back of head

Question 4

Stage I PU

Answer 4

a reddened area that when pressed is not white
for darker skin, it can be discoloured, a different temp, and irritated

Question 5

Stage II PU

Answer 5

skin is blistered, forms an open sore, pink because of dermis

Question 6

Stage III PU

Answer 6

open sunken hole, called a crater, (can reach subeceous layer)

Question 7

Stage IV PU

Answer 7

So deep there’s damage to tissue below skin (ligaments, joints, muscle and bone)

Question 8

Examples of relieving pressure

Answer 8

turning pt q2h
use sheepskin, pillows, or foam pads
avoid sheeting force by never raising the head of the bed more than 30 degrees

Question 9

Examples of promoting skin integrity

Answer 9

lots of fluid intake
regular bathing
mild soap and warm water
Keep moist areas dry

Question 10

Why is moisture bad for skin (when looking at pressure ulcers?)

Answer 10

not a direct cause of pressure ulcers, but its presence contributes to weakening of the skin and increases local friction (objects rubbing together) and shear (forces moving in different directions).