What do we mean by Pressure Injury?
Mostly we know it as Bed Sores, Pressure sores or Ulcers. Their cause is when the skin and tissue underneath breaks down.
What to look for:
Once a pressure area has developed, that area if then more at risk of a second pressure injury developing. Pressure injuries can develop very quickly.
The first sign of a pressure injury is a redness of the skin. This can then develop into a broken skin area that looks like an abrasion, pimple or blister. Eventually, if unchecked the pressure injury can destroy the underlying tissue, tendon, joint and muscle to leave an open wound down to the bone.
What can you do to prevent pressure injuries?
CAPS Payment up to $558.90 index annually
Assists eligible people with permanent and severe incontinence some of the costs of their continence
www.bladderbowel.gov.au/caps/ Helpline Ph 1800 33 00 66
OzCare can come to your home - show you samples
Gold Coast Continence Unit, North Hill Drive, Lot 801 Highfield Dve, Robina
Ph 07 5569 6200 Mobile 041 775 1813
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* Iliac - pertaining to the ilium.
1. artery the right and left arteries form the terminal branches of the abdominal aorta and supply blood to the pelvic region and the lower limbs.
- Crest - the crest of the hip
- Fossa - the depression on the concave surface of the iliac bone.
2. Vein the right and left veins join to form the inferior vena cava and drain the blood from the lower limbs and pelvis.
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Air cell based cushions are generally more effective in protecting patients with a history of severe pressure injuries, compared to flat foam cushions which appear to lack sufficient envelopment.
Those most at risk from pressure injuries are:
Help to choose the best air alternating support surface:
Do ask your Provider's nurse or Occupational Therapist who can assist you in your selection:
http://www.medicalsearch.com.au/how-to-choose-the-best-air-alternating-support-surface/
http://www.medicalsearch.com.au/air-alternating-overlay-theraflow5/p/137852
and do have a read of:
http://www.medicalsearch.com.au/how-to-choose-the-best-air-alternating-support-surface
Mostly we know it as Bed Sores, Pressure sores or Ulcers. Their cause is when the skin and tissue underneath breaks down.
What to look for:
- Can the person move themselves easily in bed - by themselves, or do they need help? This inability to regularly change position ie being restricted to either sitting or lying down increases pressure especially over bony areas.
- Dietary intake - dehydration and poor nutrition can lead to weight loss or obesity which can affect the health of the skin.
- Moisture - skin remaining damp due to perspiration, urine and faeces can contribute to the breakdown of the skin surface.
- Poor circulation - skin receives less oxygen and nutrients leading to skin breakdown. Other co-mobilities may also be a risk factor. Like difficulty being able to reposition yourself at regular intervals. You may need help. Ask for it :-)
- Alteration in sensation - may not feel discomfort and pain or the need to change position.
Once a pressure area has developed, that area if then more at risk of a second pressure injury developing. Pressure injuries can develop very quickly.
The first sign of a pressure injury is a redness of the skin. This can then develop into a broken skin area that looks like an abrasion, pimple or blister. Eventually, if unchecked the pressure injury can destroy the underlying tissue, tendon, joint and muscle to leave an open wound down to the bone.
What can you do to prevent pressure injuries?
- Check daily for reddened areas for light skin tone and red, purple and blue hues for dark skin tone. Particularly check the ear, elbow, lliac crest*, hip (trochanter), knee, toe, tailbone. Seek advice from your GP or your Provider's nursing staff.
- Change position regularly. This helps oxygen and nutrients in the blood flow back into the cells of the skin, avoiding skin and tissue death.
- Avoid stretching or pulling on the skin, especially when moving from one place to another. Avoid creases, folds and crumbs in the clothing and on the sitting or lying surface, as they can cause high pressure points.
- Spread the person's weight evenly over the largest area possible. This will help to disperse the pressure. Use a suitable pressure reducing cushion, mattress or protector to help achieve this. Seek advice from your Provider's nursing staff.
- Keep the skin clean, dry and in good condition. Use "breathable fabrics near the skin. Seek professional advice on managing incontinence where appropriate.
- Ensure adequate nutrition and fluid intake. This will give the skin the best chance to remain healthy.
CAPS Payment up to $558.90 index annually
Assists eligible people with permanent and severe incontinence some of the costs of their continence
www.bladderbowel.gov.au/caps/ Helpline Ph 1800 33 00 66
OzCare can come to your home - show you samples
Gold Coast Continence Unit, North Hill Drive, Lot 801 Highfield Dve, Robina
Ph 07 5569 6200 Mobile 041 775 1813
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Iliac - pertaining to the ilium.
1. artery the right and left arteries form the terminal branches of the abdominal aorta and supply blood to the pelvic region and the lower limbs.
- Crest - the crest of the hip
- Fossa - the depression on the concave surface of the iliac bone.
2. Vein the right and left veins join to form the inferior vena cava and drain the blood from the lower limbs and pelvis.
---------------------------------------------
Air cell based cushions are generally more effective in protecting patients with a history of severe pressure injuries, compared to flat foam cushions which appear to lack sufficient envelopment.
Those most at risk from pressure injuries are:
- bed-bound patients with impaired mobility/sensation;
- patients post spinal cord injury, brain trauma or stroke;
- those with degenerative neuromuscular diseases and
- people undergoing prolonged surgery and prosthetic users.
Help to choose the best air alternating support surface:
Do ask your Provider's nurse or Occupational Therapist who can assist you in your selection:
http://www.medicalsearch.com.au/how-to-choose-the-best-air-alternating-support-surface/
http://www.medicalsearch.com.au/air-alternating-overlay-theraflow5/p/137852
and do have a read of:
http://www.medicalsearch.com.au/how-to-choose-the-best-air-alternating-support-surface