Pressure Ulcers Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is a pressure ulcer?
Localised damage to skin and/or underlying tissue due to pressure or pressure + shear
Where do pressure ulcers commonly occur?
Over bony prominences
What causes shear forces?
Sliding up or down in bed or a chair
What role does moisture play in pressure ulcer formation?
Reduces skin stiffness, increasing adherence to surfaces
How much do pressure ulcers cost the NHS per day?
Over £1.4 million
How much longer do pressure ulcers prolong hospital stays?
5–8 days on average
Name 4 risk factors for pressure ulcers
Limited mobility, loss of sensation, cognitive impairment, poor posture
Why does poor perfusion increase risk of pressure ulcers?
Skin receives inadequate blood flow for healing
What medical conditions reduce skin perfusion?
Diabetes, hypotension, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease
What score is commonly used to assess pressure ulcer risk?
Waterlow score
When is a pressure ulcer diagnosed?
When ulcer occurs over a bony prominence
What should be documented in pressure ulcer assessment?
Surface area, depth, category, photo
When should a pressure ulcer be swabbed?
Only if infection is suspected
Categories of pressure ulcers
Category/Stage I: nonblanchable erythema.
Category/Stage II: partial thickness skin loss.
Category/Stage III: full-thickness skin loss.
Category/Stage IV: full-thickness tissue loss.
Unstageable: depth unknown.
Suspected deep tissue injury: depth unknown.
Name 3 pressure-relieving interventions
Foam mattress, heel boots/pillows, offloading devices
What is used for seating pressure relief?
Foam cushions
What are heel offloading strategies?
Heel boots, pillows, dressings
Name a skin protection method
Barrier creams or films
What is added to management when treating an existing ulcer?
Nutritional assessment, wound debridement, antibiotics if needed, moist wound dressing
When is wound debridement required?
Necrotic tissue or infection
Why is a warm, moist wound environment beneficial?
Promotes healing
