Pressure injuries and wound healing Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are pressure injuries
When there is compression of soft tissue between a bony prominence and an external surface for a long period of time
What causes pressure injuries
The pressure of the bone against a hard surface, causes the blood vessels to be pinched off resulting in a tissue injury
What happens in the first stage of pressure injury
Persistent redness in the effected area (non-blanchable redness)
Why is the first stage so important
It is the stage of intervention
What happens in the second stage of pressure injury
Partial thickness skin loss (skin is broken and epidermis/dermis may be visible. Can present as a blister, abrasion or superficial ulcer.
What happens in the third stage of pressure injury
Full thickness skin loss (damage/necrosis of SubCut tissue), cartilage, tendon or bone may be visible.
What happens in stage 4 of pressure injury
Extensive destruction, damage to muscle/bone. Wound will contain lots of necrosis and exudate.
What is an unstageable pressure injury
When there is an increased amount of necrosis and slough, to the point where the depth of the wound cannot be determined
What is a deep tissue pressure injury
When skin is still intact, but there is purple discolouration indicating damage beneath the skin
What is interface pressure
the pressure of the body pressing the skin down onto a firm surface
What is shear
Pressure that occurs when layers of skin are forced to slide over on another
What is friction
Pressure caused by something rubbing against the surface of skin
What are extrinsic factors of pressure injuries
Pressure, shear, frictions, moisture, posture, heat.
What are intrinsic factors of pressure injuries
Immobility, poor nutrition, infection, disease, age, sensory loss
Why would we use a waterlow assessment on patients
To assess their risk of developing a pressure injury.
What is primary intention
A clean surgical wound, closed using staples or sitches. They have low infection risk and will heal faster
What is secondary intention
Substantial loss of tissue from trauma, uleraction or infection. Wound is left heal naturally in this case
What is tertiary intention
Often larger, deeper and contaminated wounds. Has high infection risk so wound is left open
