Agreed Pressure Area Care

435 Words2 Pages
Agreed Pressure Area Care Pressure area care helps to reduce the amount of pressure sore formation. In my workplace, most of my residents are at risk of developing pressure sores. I will describe the physiology of pressure sores, and what I do in my care to prevent these. Pressure sores, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, are caused by unrelieved pressure and friction to the skin. When external pressure is put on the skin, the pressure of the capillaries under the skin increases causing them to occlude. If there is no relieve from the pressure for a long period of time, the tissue will become deprived of oxygen and glucose as the blood flow will be restricted. This will result in tissue necrosis (death). Everyone is different, so the time needed for a pressure sore to form will vary from person to person. The other cause of pressure sores is friction. When the skin is dragged across a rough surface i.e. bedding or mattress, the epidermis (skin layer) is rubbed away, resulting in a pressure sore formation. Pressure sores can be formed on any part of the body but some parts are more common. These include the heels, toes, knees, buttocks, shoulders, elbows and ears. Factors which might put an individual at risk of pressure sores are: not moving for long time, slipping down the bed and trying to sit back up again, low blood pressure, low blood oxygen level, poor nutrition and urinary incontinence. In my daily practise, there is a range of interventions that can reduce the risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores. The main method of preventing a pressure sore is to move the resident into a different position on a regular basis. Usually, every two hours when in bed, and every four hours when sitting in a chair. I also use pillows to raise the residents’ arms, legs, buttocks and hips. In addition, I use pillows or foam wedges to seperate knees and ankles. I

More about Agreed Pressure Area Care

Open Document