Unit 4222-229 Undertake agreed pressure area care (HSC 2024) 1.1 Pressure sores or decubitus ulcers are the result of a constant deficiency of blood to the tissues over a bony area such as a heel which may have been in contact with a bed or a splint over an extended period of time. The surface of the skin can ulcerate which may become infected. 1.2 Common pressure points on the body include the sacrum, hip bone areas, and the ankle and heel. Less common sites include the elbows, spine, ribs, and back of the head. Pressure sores may also result from friction caused by your skin rubbing against another surface, or when two layers of skin slide on each other, moving in opposite directions and causing damage to the underlying tissue.
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.
STAGE 4 Pressure sores progress, with extensive damage to deeper tissues (muscles, tendons and bones). Serious complications, such as osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) or sepsis (infection carried through the blood) can occur. 1:2 Common places where pressure sores are likely to develop are, back of head and ears, elbows, lower back and sacrum, shoulders, hips, heels and the inner knees. 1:3 Factors that put individuals at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores are confinement to a bed, chair or wheel chair, Inability to change positions without help, loss of bowel or bladder control, poor nutrition and/or dehydration and decreased mental awareness. 1:4 By using incorrect moving and handling techniques one might put residents at risk.
· · · · · · 1.4 Describe how incorrect handling and moving techniques can damage the skin. 1.5 Identify a range of interventions the can reduce the risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores. · · · · · · 1.6 Describe changes to an individuals skin condition that should be reported. Outcome 2 Undertsnad good practice in relation to own role when undertaking pressure area care. 2.1 Identify legislation and national guidelines affecting pressure area care.
Each layer has its own function and importance in maintaining the integrity of the skin and thereby the whole body structure. Pressure sores are the result of a constant deficiency of blood to the tissues of a bony area such as a heel which might have been in contact with the bed over an extended period of time. Pressure sites of the body: Lower back (sacrum) Heels Shoulders Elbows Hip bone areas Ankle Back of head Factors which might put an individual at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores: Elderly people have very loose, papery skin which is prone to friction Those with reduced mobility; if you do not move often enough, pressure sores begin to form Those with sensory impairment will not feel pain or discomfort so may be unaware of formation of pressure sores Reduced level of consciousness Incontinence Poor nutrition and hydration UH VENTURES LTD/EXEMPLAS EVIDENCE RECORD FORM Previous pressure damage Acute, chronic or terminal illness. Pressure sores are commonly caused by friction or tearing. Poorly adjusted mobility aids lead to friction.
Stroke. Stroke can lead to a permanent weakening down one side of the body . Amputees . Loss of a limb, be it either upper or lower can affect people ability to move independently so care must be taken to when moving people with amputated limbs. with all of the above following the correct moving and positioning assessment and communication with the individual is of vital
The affected joints are usually “load-bearing” joints located in the knees, hands, hips, feet, and spine, although the condition often starts in a single joint. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease and as “wear and tear” arthritis. Amputation Amputation is defined as the complete severance of one of the body’s extremities. This may be due to a medical operation, an injury, or some other form of trauma. In any case, amputation by definition involves the loss of a body part such as a hand, foot, arm or leg.
Identifying skin changes and limb swelling The skin is often referred to as the largest body organ and serves as the main protective barrier to prevent damage to internal tissues from trauma, ultraviolet light, temperature variations, toxins and bacteria. Each component of the skin has a role to play in protecting the body. The skin consists of two main layers, the epidermis or outer layer and the dermis which lies beneath the epidermis. Collagen and elastin are major components of the skin; they help to give support, strength and elasticity to the skin. As we age individual components within the skin decline in a variety of ways and the skin is less able to function normally.
Addisonian crisis: If you have untreated Addison's disease, an addisonian crisis may be provoked by physical stress, such as an injury, infection or illness. Signs and Symptoms: * Muscle weakness and fatigue * Weight loss and decreased appetite * Darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation) * Low blood pressure, even fainting * Salt
A physical exam will reveal if you have compartment syndrome by having pain when a compartment is squeezed, will experience severe pain when you move the affected area (like moving the toes will hurt the lower leg), and will have swollen and shiny skin. A doctor can also directly measure the pressure in the compartment. This is done using a needle attached to a pressure meter into the compartment. The needle is inserted in to the affected area. Depending on the reading will determine if you have compartment syndrome or