Pressure Ulcers Interventions: Nursing and Patient Strategies

This report focuses on pressure ulcer interventions, providing insights into nursing and patient care strategies. It begins by defining pressure ulcers, highlighting their causes and the populations most at risk. The report then details several interventions to treat and prevent pressure ulcers, including frequent repositioning of patients in wheelchairs and beds, the use of specialized mattresses and cushions to relieve pressure, and the utilization of specialty wheelchairs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of adjustable beds that can be elevated to reduce shearing forces. The report includes references to relevant medical resources, underscoring the importance of evidence-based practices in patient care. This assignment is available on Desklib, a platform providing AI-based study tools and access to past papers and assignments.

PRESSURE ULCERS INTERVENTIONS 1
Pressure Ulcers Interventions
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PRESSURE ULCERS INTERVENTIONS 2
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores are injuries to the skin and the tissue beneath
caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Pressure ulcers commonly occur on the skin covering
bony sections of the body like heels, hips, ankle, and tailbone ( Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research, 2019). Individuals at the most risk of bedsores are the ones with a
medical condition limiting their ability to adjust positions. As much as bedsores grow quickly,
the sores are easy to heal through treatment. Several steps can be taken by nurses to help treating
and preventing pressure ulcers.
One of the interventions that nurses, as well as patients, can apply is shifting the body
weight frequently. Patients on a wheelchair need to have their weight moved around after every
15 minutes. Nurses need to assist patients on wheelchairs as well as the ones who are bedridden
to reposition after every hour (A.D.A.M. Inc, 2019). Also, the patients should use mattress and
cushions that relieve pressure. Nurses should select special pillows and mattress that assist in
ensuring the patient's body is well- positioned. They should avoid cushioning that can focus
pressure on surrounding tissue such as doughnut cushions. Nurses and patients alike also need to
consider using a specialty wheelchair. These are unique wheelchairs that allow users to tilt them,
relieving pressure. In addition, the nurses need to look into applying beds that will enable the
elevation to be adjusted. Beds that can be elevated at the head if raised at about thirty degrees
assist in preventing shearing. Doing so will help in minimizing the development of the bedsores.

PRESSURE ULCERS INTERVENTIONS 3
References
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2019. Bedsores (Pressure ulcers).
[Online]
Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-sores/symptoms-causes/syc-
20355893
[Accessed 09 May 2019].
A.D.A.M. Inc, 2019. [Online]
Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000740.htm
[Accessed 9 May 2019].