When Pressure Persists: Prevention of Pressure Ulcers for Those at Risk

Transcription

1 When Pressure Persists: Prevention of Pressure Ulcers for hose at Risk by Barbara evine, PhD, RNP Gerontological Nursing onsultant Reviewed and updated, Fall 2006 Reviewers: atherine R. urley RN, MSN, Penn Nursing onsultation Service and GE Series Editors 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter

2 When Pressure Persists: earning Objectives Direct are Staff will be able to: Identify the risk factors for pressure ulcers Discuss common reasons for pressure ulcers Discuss strategies to prevent these wounds Describe a team approach to pressure ulcer prevention and care Describe a pressure ulcer prevention program 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter Objectives are included in the participant handout and include the detail for the last objective: Describe a pressure ulcer prevention program for a nursing home, including: Education of residents, staff and residents families Routine assessment of skin Proper skin care Prompt response to early signs of pressure ulcers Frequent movement of residents oileting schedule for incontinent residents Staff observation and reporting of risks and signs of pressure ulcers

3 Pressure Ulcer: Definition A pressure ulcer is any change in color or break in the skin caused by too much pressure on the skin for too long a period of time University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter Pressure ulcers are areas of skin death. When the tissue is exposed to prolonged pressure it does not get enough nutrients and cells die. In its earliest stage, the ulcer shows up as persistent redness in light-colored skin. In dark-colored skin the area may appear red, blue or purplish. Muscle cells may die before pressure is visible on the skin. Body tissues have different resistance to pressure. Muscle is more sensitive than skin. By the time pressure is evident on the skin, muscle cells may have already died.

4 Pressure Ulcers Occur commonly in older people an be prevented in many residents an be painful, lead to infection, and are a marker for increased risk of death ost more than $6,000 each to treat 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter As people age, the skin becomes drier, thinner and more fragile. he fatty layer under the skin becomes thin, resulting in more prominent bony structures. he goal is to prevent ulcers whenever possible. Many, but not all, pressure ulcers are preventable. hose that are not preventable are often due to poor nutrition or chronic disease. Pressure ulcers can be painful and may result in complications. Residents with pressure ulcers are likely to die sooner than those without them. reatment of a single pressure ulcer exceeds $6000. he overall cost in terms of pain and suffering, bad survey citations, law suits, etc., can not be determined but is surely much higher.

5 What auses Skin Injury? Pressure reduces blood flow to skin Friction repeated rubbing causes a break in the skin Shear sideways pulling on the skin layers until it breaks 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter Pressure is seldom the only cause of pressure ulcers. More often the cause is a combination of pressure, friction, and shear. Pressure, the amount of force exerted on an area, is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm of Hg). When external pressure is greater than 32 mm Hg, blood flow to the area is reduced. he area may not get enough oxygen and nutrients. Metabolic toxins may build up. ells may die. here is a relationship between time and pressure. ower levels of pressure for long periods of time are as damaging as high pressure for short periods of time. Friction occurs when two substances rub together. Pulling an older person across the bed linen may rub away the outer skin layer. When the interface between the body and the bedding is moist, the force of friction is greater. hink about the friction associated with pulling on a wet, as compared to a dry, bathing suit. Shear is a mechanical force that is parallel rather than perpendicular to the area. When we elevate the head of the bed, the body skeleton actually slides down in relation to the skin. his especially affects the sacrum. Shear force is greatest when we drag a person up in bed.

6 Who s at Risk? Individuals who are: bed or chair-bound unable to sense discomfort incontinent poorly nourished or dehydrated feverish, have diabetes, or low blood pressure 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter Many factors contribute to the risk for pressure ulcers: Immobility is probably the greatest threat of all. Individuals who are unable to move independently in bed and to get in and out of bed must depend on those caring for them to change their position. oss of discomfort from pressure. Normally, when pressure on the skin reduces blood flow to an area a sensation of discomfort causes one to shift a little and relieve the pressure. hose who are unable to sense the discomfort will be at greater risk. his may include individuals who had a stroke, but also those who are sedated or restrained. Incontinence increases the risk because it causes excessively moist skin and chemical irritation. Of the two types of incontinence, fecal incontinence makes a greater contribution to pressure ulcer risk probably because stool contains bacteria while urine is normally sterile. Underweight and loss of weight. Adequate protein, calories, and fluids are essential to prevent skin injury. Individuals who are underweight or who are losing weight are at higher risk. Various acute and chronic illnesses may increase the risk for pressure injury.

7 Pressure Points Back of the head Back of shoulders Elbows Hip Buttocks ontractures Heels 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter Pressure ulcers occur over bony prominences. ommon sites of pressure ulcers include the: the back of the head back of shoulders (scapula) ischium trochanter sacrum malleolus lateral edge of the foot and heels Areas of skin-to-skin contact are susceptible, especially in residents with muscle contractures. Most pressure ulcers occur in the lower half of the body. (Overhead is in participant handout as a full-page illustration)

8 A eam Approach to Prevention Identify at-risk individuals Maintain and improve skin condition Protect against pressure and injury Assure adequate nutrition and hydration Encourage activity and mobility Educate older adults, families, and care providers Early identification of skin injury 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter Preventing pressure ulcers requires a team approach. he nurse identifies at risk residents on admission using an assessment tool. Most facilities use the Braden Scale, although some use the Norton Scale. he dietician assesses the nutritional status of each resident and prescribes a diet that will assure adequate protein, calories, and fluid to maintain skin health. he physical or occupational therapist assists with mobility and positioning devices. he activity therapist conducts activities that encourage movement. Despite the efforts of all of these providers, it is the direct care staff who provide the first line of defense in protecting older persons from pressure ulcers. What you do for prevention: maintain the skin in good condition, protect against pressure and injury, assure that the resident consumes adequate food and fluids, encourage participation in activities, and inspect the skin to identify early signs of skin injury.

9 lean and Dry lean gently with warm water Prevent incontinence by maintaining toileting schedule Help resident off the bed pan or toilet promptly lean skin at time of soiling Absorbent underpads or briefs Moisture barriers 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter he thin, fragile skin of older people needs special care. Gentle cleaning with warm water alone is generally sufficient for daily bathing. During cleaning and drying, use a soft towel and pat the skin dry. Do not rub the skin. Make every effort to prevent incontinence by toileting individuals promptly as needed. Older adults should not be left sitting on the bedpan or toilet for more than 10 minutes. lean the skin whenever it becomes soiled. Diapers and underpads do not replace the need for awareness and immediate cleaning. For incontinence, absorbent briefs, (adult diapers) may be used. Briefs should be made of materials that absorb moisture and present a quick-drying surface to the skin. here is little good reason for wearing briefs in bed. When you use specialty surfaces, place a single layer of fabric between the individual and the surface. Do not place the patient directly on plastic or paper linen savers because they hold moisture and irritate skin. opical moisture barriers may be used to protect the skin from moisture. Protective films may also help to reduce friction injuries.

10 Beyond lean and Dry ook for and report any changes lean skin and keep it well lubricated Minimize dryness and avoid excessive moisture 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter lean and dry is not enough! ubrication of skin is important. Apply lotions or creams to areas of dry, flaky skin. Skin that is water-logged (macerated) is easily eroded by friction, more easily irritable, and more readily colonized by germs than normal skin.

11 Skin hecks heck all surfaces at least twice a day Remove clothing and position for visibility heck pressure points with every position change If you note a reddened area, reassess in 15 minutes 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter he easiest times to do a skin check are when getting the person up and returning him/her to bed. Be sure to inspect all surfaces. ook for redness, dryness, rashes or other breaks in skin integrity. Feel for changes in skin temperature damaged areas may feel warm to the touch. Pay special attention to areas that remain reddened after position change. By definition an area that is still red after 15 minutes is a Stage I pressure ulcer. Never position a resident on a reddened area (or on a pressure ulcer). Never massage over bony prominences or reddened areas. Massage may rupture capillaries and damage underlying tissues. If you notice: a rash or break, then wash the area with plain warm water (no soap). an area of red but intact skin, then position the resident to relieve pressure. In either case, tell the nurse describe what you saw, felt and did. Ask him or her if he/she would like to see the area.

12 Abnormal Skin hanges Note location, size and degree of: Areas of redness or warmth in fair skin Areas of duskiness or darkness and warmth in dark skin Areas of pain or discomfort Blisters fluid-filled or broken Weeping or drainage 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter Examine the skin for signs of pressure change (redness, change in color, temperature, or texture), moisture or dryness, and presence of rashes or skin breaks. Report any changes promptly to the nurse. Describe the area including color, temperature, location, and size. Recheck the area 15 minutes after the resident is repositioned; note any change. heck for temperature changes by placing the back of your hand against the area. ompare findings with the temperature of other skin surface areas. Investigate and report complaints of pain or discomfort. When sensation is intact, residents may complain of pain associated with being in one position for too long. Established pressure ulcers may be painful especially if pressure is sustained, and during dressing changes. Blisters, fluid-filled or broken, may be Stage II pressure ulcers. Friction usually causes blisters. If an area is weeping or draining, notice and report the color, amount and odor of the drainage.

13 Reducing Pressure in Bed urn at least every two hours Prevent skin- to- skin contact omplete pressure relief for heels Elevate head of bed as little as possible Use lift sheets or trapeze Do not position directly on hip bone Do not rub or massage reddened areas 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter Remember the time pressure relationship. ess pressure for more time is as dangerous as more pressure for shorter time. Some older adults may need to be turned or repositioned more frequently than every two hours. No one should ever lie on skin that is already reddened by pressure. Heels are especially vulnerable and should be lifted completely off the bed with pillows. Heels should be elevated even when the resident is on a specialty surface. he head of the bed should not be elevated more than 30 o so that the person does not slide down in bed. If the head of the bed must be elevated to minimize risk for aspiration, monitor the skin in the sacral region carefully. ift sheets or a trapeze may enhance mobility and reduce friction and shear. When an older adult is lying on the side, weight should never be directly on the hip bone (greater trochanter of the femur). A 30o laterally inclined position relieves sacral pressure and prevents trochanteric pressure. (Shown on next slide). Historically, nurses were taught to massage reddened tissue over bony prominences. However, massage of reddened tissue may break small blood vessels, and result in more ischemic injury.

14 30 aterally Inclined Position Weight not on sacrum or trochanter Support with pillows or foam wedge Use pillows to protect vulnerable areas Head of bed as low as possible 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter urning and repositioning is essential even if the person is on a pressurereducing surface. In the 30 laterally inclined position, weight is on the fleshy buttock muscle, suspended between the sacrum and the trochanter (hip bone). Bending the knees further reduces pressure on the trochanter. A pillow between the legs prevents skin-to-skin contact and reduces pressure between the knees; one under the lower leg reduces pressure on the ankle bone and outer aspect of the foot.

15 Specialty Mattresses Help decrease pressure ulcer formation Patients still need frequent skin checks hese mattresses do not replace the need to turn the person urn and check the person at least every two to three hours Sheets and incontinence pads should be crease free Sheets should be placed loosely on these mattresses and never tucked 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter With the introduction of many different pressure reduction surfaces the development of pressure ulcers in bedbound and immobile patients has decreased. hese surfaces do not however replace the need for turning the patient on a frequent basis and checking the skin for redness and possible breakdown. Mattresses that rotate and turn patients at a 30-degree angle are mostly used for improving pulmonary function therefore the patient still needs observation and turning. Studies indicate that patients on specialty mattresses need to be turned every two to three hours at least to eliminate any possibility of pressure on at risk areas. Incontinence pads and specialty mattress should be used sparingly. he presence of an incontinence pad and a specialty mattress can increase the pressure on at risk area such as the sacrum up to 25% and many manufacturers do not recommend large pads. Pads should always be smoothed as any creases from movement or placement of the pad increases the pressure on the patient s skin. For these mattresses to perform at the optimum level sheets should always be kept as loose as possible. If a sheet is tight it can become a barrier to the pressure relieving properties of the mattress.

16 Reducing Pressure in hairs Reposition at least every hour Instruct to shift weight every 15 minutes Do not use doughnuts or rings 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter When an older adult is in the chair, more of the body weight is distributed to smaller surface, producing higher pressure. he pressure time relationship means that those in a chair should be repositioned more frequently than those in bed. Older adults in a chair should be repositioned at least every hour. hose who are able should be taught and encouraged to make small weight shifts every 15 minutes. Ring cushions are known to cause venous congestion and edema. In one study, they were found to be more likely to cause than to prevent pressure ulcers.

17 Nutrition Encourage residents to drink enough water Assist residents to eat enough protein and calories 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter Older adults need to know that skin breaks down more easily and wounds won t heal unless nutrition and hydration are adequate. Primary sources of protein in the diet include milk products (yogurt, cheese, ice cream), meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, and eggs. If individuals are unable to complete their entire meal, these foods are especially important.

18 You can make a make a difference! Keep your older adults moving Position immobile or dependent individuals frequently and carefully Assist with meals and snacks Provide plenty of clear, cool water Keep those with incontinence clean and dry Be alert to changes and report them 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter Not all pressure ulcers can be prevented, but many can. NAs provide the first line of protection against pressure ulcers. You can make a difference!he best way to lower the risk of pressure ulcers is to keep older adults moving. If individuals cannot position themselves, turn and reposition frequently. hose who can change their position may need to be reminded to do so. Don t forget to help or encourage the person sitting in a chair to change position. Adequate nutrition and hydration are essential to prevent pressure ulcers. If you notice someone is not eating or drinking enough, report it to the nurse. Some may need vitamins or supplements added to their diet. Individuals who are incontinent have a five times higher risk of pressure ulcers than those who are continent. Establish a toileting schedule for those who are incontinent. lean those with incontinence promptly after soiling. Use skin protective barriers. Always be on the lookout report redness, investigate complaints of pain or discomfort you may be the eyes and ears of the nurse, but the voice of the older adult.

19 Objectives Review an you now: Identify the risk factors for pressure ulcers? Discuss common reasons for pressure ulcers? Discuss strategies to prevent these wounds? Describe a team approach to pressure ulcer prevention and care? Describe a pressure ulcer prevention program? 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter an you now: Identify the risk factors for pressure ulcers? Discuss common reasons for pressure ulcers? Discuss strategies to prevent these wounds? Describe a team approach to pressure ulcer prevention and care? Describe a pressure ulcer prevention

20 References Bergstrom, N., et al. (2005). he National Pressure Ulcer ong-erm are Study: outcomes of pressure ulcer treatments in long-term care. Journal of the American Geriatrics society, 53: Benbow, M (2006) Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Nursing Standard. 20 (52), Garcia, AD and homas, DR. (2006). Assessment and management of chronic pressure ulcers in the elderly. Medical linics of North America, 90 (5): homas, DR. Prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 7 (1), University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter

21 eadership and Staff: Kathleen Egan, PhD Series Editor DVGE Program Administrator Director, DVGE University of Pennsylvania Mary Ann Forciea, MD Series Associate Editor linical Associate Professor of Medicine Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pennsylvania ois K. Evans, DNSc, RN, FAAN Series Associate Editor Viola MacInnes Independence Professor School of Nursing University of Pennsylvania Sangeeta Bhojwani Associate Director, Series Assistant Editor DVGE University of Pennsylvania 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter

22 hank you for your attention! he End 2006 University of Pennsylvania Delaware Valley Geriatric Education enter