Pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers, pressure injuries, or bedsores are a type of skin breakdown that occurs due to constant pressure causing a lack of blood flow and oxygen which leads to poor tissue perfusion and tissue death. Show
Patients most at risk for developing pressure ulcers are older, bedridden, immobile, and those who cannot verbalize pain or discomfort. Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes or vascular diseases are also more susceptible. Pressure ulcers are preventable through thorough assessment and intervention. This is the priority goal as once a pressure ulcer occurs, it can be difficult to treat and heal. Pressure ulcers that do not respond to simple wound care may require debridement, negative pressure therapy, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, wound vacs, and surgery. The Nursing ProcessPreventing pressure ulcers requires a team of healthcare staff working together to implement turning schedules, hygiene care, and nutrition. Even with proper preventive care, ulcers can still develop in high-risk patients and nurses must remain vigilant in wound care to prevent further complications. Nursing Care Plans Related to Pressure UlcersImpaired Skin Integrity Care PlanCompromised skin through internal or external causes increases the risk of pressure ulcer injury. Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Skin Integrity Related to:
As evidenced by:
Expected Outcomes:
Impaired Skin Integrity Assessment1. Perform skin assessments. 2. Stage pressure ulcers correctly. 3. Identify additional risk factors. Impaired Skin Integrity Interventions1. Collaborate with wound care experts. 2. Encourage nutrition and
hydration. 3. Keep skin clean and dry. 4. Perform necessary wound care. Risk For Infection Care PlanOpen areas to the skin allow pathogens to enter increasing the risk of infection. Nursing Diagnosis: Risk For Infection Related to:
Note: A risk diagnosis is not evidenced by signs and symptoms as the problem has not yet occurred. Nursing interventions are aimed at prevention. Expected Outcome:
Risk For Infection Assessment1. Monitor for signs of infection. 2. Obtain wound cultures. 3. Assess lab work. Risk For Infection Interventions1. Administer
antibiotics. 2. Proper hand hygiene. 3. Ensure dressings are intact. 4. Educate on infection prevention. Impaired Physical Mobility Care PlanPatients with impaired mobility who cannot turn or reposition themselves are at high risk of developing a pressure ulcer. Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Physical Mobility Related to:
As evidenced by:
Expected Outcomes:
Impaired Physical Mobility Assessment1. Assess range of motion/mobility. 2. Assess staff and family understanding. Impaired Physical Mobility Interventions1. Implement devices for independence with repositioning. 2. Use wedges, pillows, and mattresses. 3. Treat pain. 4. Instruct on areas to inspect for breakdown. 5. Transfer to chairs and assist with
ambulation. 6. Implement a turning schedule. References and Sources
What stage 4 pressure injury does the nurse provide care for?The nurse is providing care for a patient who has a stage 4 pressure injury that is 2 cm in diameter and 2 cm deep. Bone is visible in the wound. Which patient assessment finding does the nurse communicate to the registered nurse (RN) immediately?
How to provide wound care to a client with a pressure injury?Place in order, from first to last, these actions the nurse will perform when providing wound care to a client with a pressure injury. Use all options. 1)Put on clean gloves.
How should a nurse position a patient to prevent pressure injuries?Position patients at a 45-degree angle when on their side. The nurse is participating in a unit program aimed at preventing pressure injuries to residents in a long-term care facility. Which intervention does the nurse anticipate will be least effective? The wound has a grainy, spongy texture.
What is the nurse’s priority when moving a client with neck injuries?The priority when moving a client who presents with a neck and a spinal cord injury is to logroll the client whenever a transfer must occur. The nurse would not remove the cervical spine collar because this can exacerbate the original injury. The nurse would not monitor for autonomic dysreflexia during the acute phase of the injury.
What is a eschar in nursing?Eschar is dead tissue that falls off (sheds) from healthy skin. It is caused by a burn or cauterization (destroying tissue with heat or cold, or another method).
What guidelines should a nurse follow when caring for pressure sores?Position patient every 2 hours. Keep the pressure areas clean and dry. Always look for redness and numbness. Provide air mattress.
Which dressing would the nurse use to protect and absorb moisture when providing care to a patient with a pressure injury?Hydrocolloids / Hydrogels: Hydrocolloid dressings have gel-like properties and absorb fluids from the wound. Because hydrocolloid dressings form a moisture-proof barrier they frequently used with incontinent patients as they can keep urine and feces out of the healing wounds.
What dressing is used for a stage 2 pressure injury?Currently, hydrocolloid dressings are widely used in individuals with Category/Stage II pressure ulcers.
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