Which of the following interventions is best to decrease a clients risk for skin breakdown?
Most pressure injuries and skin tears can be prevented by following simple steps such as maintaining good nutrition and hydration, regular but careful mobilisation, good skin hygiene and a good moisturising regime. Show
Prevention planWe can use the results of the risk screen or assessment to develop and implement a prevention plan1. We should then monitor the plan. The following prevention strategies may be included in a plan to reduce the risk of skin damage. Positioning Being immobile or staying in one position for a length of time can increase our risk of developing pressure injuries.
Environment The environment can increase a person’s risk of injuring their skin.
Protective relieving devices
“Disposable, single patient devices, such as positional foams, which are utilised within one area of the hospital could be part of the patient’s package of care and travel with them throughout the various departments of any care setting”5
Protective clothing Encourage the patient to wear protective clothing to reduce the risk of skin tears, such as:
Nutrition Good nutrition plays a key role in maintaining good skin. Under-nourished and dehydrated people do not have sufficient nutrients available to maintain good skin health6. Use a valid and reliable nutrition screening tool to determine the nutritional status of patients at risk of or with a pressure injury3. Skin moisture Exposure to urine and faeces is one of the most common causes of skin breakdown and makes the skin more susceptible to injury.
Skin cleansing and skin care As the skin ages it can become very fragile.
Balance and mobility Older people should be encouraged to mobilise regularly during their hospital stay to minimise the risk of functional decline. However, we need to be aware that using mobility aids can increase a patient’s risk of skin damage through wheelchair injuries, falls, transfers or blunt trauma from bumping into objects.
Medication management Certain medications can affect a patient’s skin.
DocumentationDocument prevention strategies in the patient’s clinical notes and communicate these strategies during clinical handover and on transfer or discharge. Monitoring and evaluationMonitor and evaluate the prevention plan and strategies for their effectiveness. Modify the strategies and interventions, in consultation with the patient and treating team as necessary. 1. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare (ACSQHC), National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, 2011, ACSQHC: Sydney. 2. Department of Health, Preventing and Managing Pressure Injuries, 2014, Sector Performance, Quality and Rural Health, Victorian Governement, Department of Health. 3. National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance, Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Quick Reference Guide, 2014: Perth, Australia. 4. Australian Wound Management Association, Pan Pacific Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Management of Pressure Injury, 2012: Cambridge Media Osborne Park, WA. 5. Bateman, S.D., Pressure ulcer prevention in the seated patient: Adopting theatre practices to protect skin integrity. Wounds UK, 2013. 9(3): p. 71-75. 6. Acton, C., The importance of nutrition in wound healing. Wounds UK, 2013. 9(3): p. 61-64. What are interventions to prevent skin breakdown?Nutritional factors important to prevent or heal wounds include a balanced diet with an adequate intake of protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc, as well as an adequate intake of fluids (8).
What nursing interventions prevent skin breakdown?Turning every 2 hours is the key to prevent breakdown. Head of bed should be kept at 30 degrees or less to avoid sliding down on bed. Use pillows or foam wedges to keep bony prominences from direct contact with each other. Keep pillows under the heels to raise off bed.
Which intervention by the nurse reduces the risk of skin breakdown while moving the client up in the bed?As previously discussed skin integrity can be maintained and skin breakdown can be prevented with a number of different interventions such as turning and repositioning the client at least every two hours, special pressure relieving mattresses, and the avoidance of all pressure, friction and shearing.
What are 3 appropriate prevention strategies for maintaining skin integrity and pressure area care for this client?Skin Integrity Promotion Strategies
The following are strategies to promote and maintain skin integrity: Moisturize dry skin to maximize lipid barriers; moisturize at minimum twice daily. Avoid hot water during bathing; this will increase dry, cracked skin. Protect skin with a moisture lotion or barrier as indicated.
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