Prevention of decubitus ulcers

Prevention of decubitus ulcers

            Prevent Pressure :

            Establish a turning schedule for bedridden patients; turn hourly.

            Have a firm cot and foam mattress for bed-ridden patients - use extra pillows, pads and air rings to reduce pressure.

            Prevent friction :

            When changing position of your patient lift him and do not drag him on to bed.

            Keep sheets without wrinkles and seams.

            Keep bed clean and free from crumbs.

            If patient is restless, protect pressure points with soft pads.

            Prevent moisture : a. Keep dressings and bed dry and clean. b. Clean and dry the incontinent patients promptly.

            Prevent predisposing causes: a. Improve patient's health by means of good food, ventilation, sunlight and exercises. b. Encourage circulation through massage. c. Have patient to ambulate early.

            Observe early signs and symptoms of decubitus ulcers : a. Redness b. Dark discoloration. c. Bruising, d. Tenderness of the area. e. Burning sensation.

            Give good care to pressure points : Careful cleaning and massage should be carried out 3 or 4 times a day for all bedridden patients. For some patients, it is necessary to give care as often as every two hours.

A. Equipment

A bowl of warm water

Sponge cloth

Soap

Towel

Dusting powder

Spirit

B. Procedure

Explain procedure to patient - Arrange articles at the bedside.

Screen the bed

Wet the part with soapy hand massage the area in circular movements, so that the tissues under the skin gets increased circulation Remove soap by washing Dry the areas

Apply spirit over the area and massage well. Spirit helps to harden the skin.

Apply lightly dusting powder to keep the part thoroughly dry. Do this treatment to all pressure points.

If patient is incontinent, apply zinc cream instead of spirit and powder. This protects the skin from moisture. Leave patient comfortable after the procedure.