Skin care basics

Question 1

What are some positioning interventions to prevent skin breakdown?

Answer 1

• elevate heels on 2 pills off of bed surface
• HOB less than 30
• use knee gatch to prevent sliding
• put pillows between knees and ankles

Question 2

What are some dressing interventions to prevent skin breakdown?

Answer 2

• use friction protecting devices on heels and elbows
• PIP dressing
• inter dry in folds of skin
• powder on bed pans and BSC
• limit pads and sheets under patient

Question 3

What are moving interventions to prevent skin breakdown?

Answer 3

• do not pull patients side to side
• do not pull patients up
• offer trapeze for patients with upper body strength

Question 4

What should document for basic skin care?

Answer 4

• hygiene provided
• skin products applied
• skin assessment
• pressure ulcer risk
• dressing applied
• positioning

Question 5

What are some basic guidelines for moisturizing?

Answer 5

• after a bath
• do not massage bony prominences
• do not use between the toes

Question 6

How often should bathing be offered to patients?

Answer 6

Daily

Question 7

What are some incontinence interventions to prevent skin breakdown?

Answer 7

• penile wraps
• Purewick
• condom catheters
• rectal pouch
• fecal pouch
• bowel and bladder retraining
• cleanse after each episode with pH balanced cleansers

Question 8

What is patient and family education for proper skincare?

Answer 8

• need for nutrition
• need for hydration
• need for proper hygiene
• understanding pressure, friction, moisture
• proper sleep surface
• need for turning

Question 9

Is it ok for patients to refuse hygiene?

Answer 9

Yes, if they are cognitively intact and not soiled.

Question 10

What are basic rules for position change for at risk patients?

Answer 10

• turn every 2 hours in bed
• turn every hour in the chair
• limit time in chair to 2 hours
• use a proper cushion in the chair