At Auto Injury Home Care Specialists we believe that continuing education and communication are important components to providing excellent and consistent care. We have developed a completely online program allowing our employees to increase their knowledge and stay current learning new ways to improve the care they provide.
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Auto Injury Home Care Specialists
Pressure Sores
In-Service
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1. What Are Pressure Ulcers?
• Definition:
• Also known as bedsores or pressure sores, pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues caused by prolonged pressure, friction, or shear.
• Common Locations:
• Areas over bony prominences, such as the sacrum, hips, heels, elbows, and mowing down shoulders.
2. Causes and Risk Factors
• Causes:
• Prolonged pressure restricting blood flow.
• Friction (rubbing of the skin against another surface).
• Shear (skin moving in one direction while the underlying tissue moves in another).
• Risk Factors:
• Limited mobility.
• Poor nutrition or dehydration.
• Incontinence (moisture increases skin breakdown).
• Medical conditions affecting circulation or sensation.
3. Stages of Pressure Ulcers
1. Stage 1:
• Red, non-blanchable area on intact skin.
• May feel warmer, firmer, or softer than surrounding skin.
2. Stage 2:
• Partial-thickness skin loss, appearing as a blister or shallow open sore.
3. Stage 3:
• Full-thickness tissue loss, exposing fat.
• May have slough or dead tissue.
4. Stage 4:
• Full-thickness skin and tissue loss, exposing muscle, bone, or tendons.
• Often accompanied by infection.
5. Unstageable:
• Covered by slough or eschar, preventing the full extent of the wound from being assessed.
4. Prevention Strategies
• Skin Care:
• Keep skin clean and dry.
• Use moisture barrier creams if needed.
• Repositioning:
• Reposition clients every 2 hours or as per care plan.
• Use pillows or foam pads to reduce pressure on bony areas.
• Nutrition:
• Encourage high-protein, vitamin-rich diets to support skin health.
• Proper Use of Equipment:
• Use pressure-relieving devices, such as specialty mattresses or cushions.
5. Recognizing and Reporting Pressure Ulcers
• Recognizing Signs:
• Red, discolored, or broken skin.
• Complaints of pain or discomfort in a specific area.
• Foul-smelling drainage or increased warmth around a wound.
• Reporting:
• Document and immediately report any new or worsening ulcers to the supervisor or nurse.
• Include details such as size, location, and appearance.
6. Treating Pressure Ulcers
• Follow the care plan provided by the supervising nurse.
• Clean the wound as instructed, using prescribed solutions or dressings.
• Ensure proper hydration and nutrition.
• Avoid using over-the-counter treatments unless directed by a nurse or physician.
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Please take the test below and click submit to complete your In-Service.
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Scenario: Sarah, a home health aide, is caring for Mrs. Thompson, a wheelchair-bound client with diabetes. During her visit, Sarah notices a red area on Mrs. Thompson’s lower back that doesn’t turn white when pressed. Mrs. Thompson says it’s been there for a few days but doesn’t hurt much. Sarah is unsure what to do next.