Tissue Viability Flashcards
What can cause reduced mobility? (4)
- Disease
- Injury
- Medication
- Enforced bed rest
What are common complications of reduced mobility? (4)
- Chest infection
- Constipation
- VTE
- Pressure damage
What does VTE stand ford?
Venous thromboembolism
What is VTE? What can it lead to?
- Slow blood flow through the caff muscle
- Leads to blood clots forming in big veins
- Part of the clot can come off and circulate to the lungs/brain
- Leading to PE or a stroke or heart attack
What does PE stand for?
Pulmonary embolism
What are 2 causes of VTE?
- Reduced blood flow (dehydration)
- Vessel wall narrowing (vein is compressed)
What are the 3 main signs of DVT?
- Swelling and redness of the caff
- Pain
- Heat
What are the 2 sites of DVT?
- Distal (the caffe veins)
- Proximal (the popliteal vein or just above)
What 4 ways can you prevent VTE?
- Using anti-emboli stocking
- Good posture
- Early mobilisation
- Passive limb exercise
What is pressure damage?
Injury to the skin or underlying tissue normally over a boney area, as a result of pressure
What are 3 external causes of pressure damage?
- Pressure
- Friction
- Moisture
What are 4 internal causes of pressure damage?
- Age
- Body weight
- Poor nutrition
- Incontinence
How can nursing care prevent pressure ulcers? (4)
- Regular positioning
- Pressure relieving mattresses
- Safe moving and handling
- Mobilise ASAP
What is a stage 1 pressure ulcer?
- Defined area of redness near a boney area
- Discolouration, warmth and firmness
What is a stage 2 pressure ulcer?
- Part thickness tissue lost, presenting a shallow open ulcer
- May be blistered
