Care of Pressure Ulcers by Risk Factors

Care by Risk Factors

Risk Factor	Preventive Actions
Inability to Move Bed or Chair Confinement Inspect skin at least once a day. Bathe when needed for comfort or cleanliness. Prevent dry skin. For a person in a chair who is able to shift his or her own weight: change position at least every 15 minutes use pillows or wedges to keep knees or ankles from touching each other.	For a person in bed: 1. Change position at least every 2 hours. 2. Use a special mattress that contains foam, air, gel, or water. 3. Raise the head of bed as little and for as short a time as possible.	For a person in a chair: 1. Change position every hour. 2. Use foam, gel, or air cushion to relieve pressure. Reduce friction by: Lifting rather than dragging when repositioning. 1. Using corn starch on skin. 2. Avoid use of donut -shaped cushions. Participate in a rehab program.
Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control	Clean skin as soon as soiled. Assess and treat urine leaks. If moisture cannot be controlled: 1. Use absorbent pads and/or briefs with a quick-drying surface. 2. Protect skin with a cream or ointment.
Poor Nutrition	Eat a balanced diet. If a normal diet is not possible, talk to health care provider about nutritional supplements.
Lowered Mental Awareness	Choose preventive actions that apply to the person with lowered mental awareness. For example, if the person is chair-bound, refer to the specific preventive actions outlined in Risk Factor 1.