Skills Test Midterm Flashcards
What are the 4 basic types of materials that are used in cushion construction
- foam
- gel
- thermoplastics
- floatation
What are the 2 important function of a wheelchair cushion ?
- prevention of pressure wounds
- postural stability
What are some Positive and Negative effects to Foam Cushions?
Pos: inexpensive and can be cut to make adjustments
- have a Protective Surface: to prevent moisture from entering foam
- new foams can adapt to any shape and still provide support and spread pressure evenly
Neg: doesnt last long (foam wears out faster and loses shape) which allows for pressure points to form
-“wear- cracks” can develop in Protective Coating allowing for moisture + odour
How much do Foam cushion cost?
150-180
What is the most common cushion used in residentials?
Foam cushions
How much do Thermoplastic cushions cost?
250-300
What are some Positive and Negative effects to Thermoplastics?
Pos: Honeycomb cushion, made of thermoplastic material distribute weight uniformly over a wide area
- flexible, stable structure
- provides pressure reduction and shock absorption
- have antibacterial and antifungal properties
- has good ventilation system; circulates air and evaporates moisture= ensuring cool/dry comfort
- easy maintenance
Neg: -more expensive than foam don’t have as wide variating in density
-can develop sores because its plastic
How much do Gel cushions cost?
500-600
Basic description of Gel cushion:
gel fluids placed in pouches, attached to a foam base, so the cushion conforms to the pressures placed on it
What are some Positive and Negative effects to Gel cushions?
Pos: excellent pressure distributor, and comfortable
Neg: not good “shock” absorber (ex. going over curbs, doesnt provide additional impact support)
- HEAVY (cancels out benefits for light wheelchair)
- gel “bottoms-out” and gel is pushed aside; gel needs to be kneeded daily for evenly spreading
- gel cushions can leak
How much do Geo- Matrix Hybrid cushions cost?
600-700
Which clients is the Geo matrix designed for?
clients for:
- Superior pressure distribution
- Vibration control
- Postural support
- early stages (1,2) of skin issues
What are some Positive and Negative effects to Gel cushions?
Pos: consists of compression cut foam and gel top layer
-comes with outer and inner “incontinent proof cover” ; increases air flow and breathability
Neg: not suitable for stage 3+4 wound, less shock absorbancy
-adds weight
How much do Air or Dry floatation (ROHO) cushions cost?
800
Basic description of Air/Dry Floatation (ROHO) Cushions
There is a LOW and a HIGH profile Roho
- supports body entirely on air
- pressure evenly spread against skin
- air flotation cushions cant “bottom-out” like gel cushions do because its a closed system
Why is a ROHO cushion suitable for stages 3+ 4
It is very SOFT
What are some Positive and Negative effects to ROHO cushions?
Pos: lightweight
- waterproof
- minimize pressure at bony protrusions
Neg: less stable for those with unstable trunk control
- roho can be punctures, but patching them is easier than gel
- Biggest complication; require more MAINTENANCE (need to have pressure frequently checked)
What is a method how you could find leak for ROHO cushions
-submerge under water and look for escaping air bubbles
How much does the Veralite cushion cost?
300
Basic descriptions of the Veralite cushion
My favourite
-3 layers of foam for:
>support and prevention of “bottoming-out”
>includes an air cushion layer for pressure management
-has diff. choices of valves and cushion covers
-doesnt require air pumps, kneeding or manipulation
-easy to use
Which clients is the Veralite designed for?
-clients with cognitive awareness and sensation; need to be able to adjust the valve
What are some Positive and Negative effects for the Veralite cushions?
Pos: provide VARYING levels of support (soft/medium/firm foam layers)
- easy to use
- doesnt need to be pumped up in order to inflate
Neg: cognitive awareness is needed (need to know how much air to release)
-sensation and proprioceptive awareness is necessary to determine optimal positioning and comfort
How to use Veralite valve?
- turn counter clockwise
- stand up for cushion to fully inflate
- once seated need to manually monitor how much air is needed (sink down to 1-2 inches) under their prominent areas
- close valve
How do you test for appropriate air level in cushions?
***DO NOT OVER-INFLATE
-palmar up to find ischial tuberosity (sit bones)
