|
|
General:
Prevention of
Pressure Sore
Persons who use wheelchairs or
those who must stay in bed due to illness or injury are subject to pressure
sores/bed sores. Pressure occur when pressure on the bony parts of
the body reduces the blood supply to a particular area. Circulating blood
carries nutrients to the cells and carries out waste products. When the blood
supply is reduced, the cells are susceptible to damage and eventual death.
A person with conditions like diabetes and hardening of the arteries that
affect blood circulation make pressure sores more difficult to heal.
Tips on Preventing Pressure Sore:
|
►
|
|
Person
who is able to move around should be encouraged to do so as it helps his
circulation. But be on hand if the person needs help.
|
|
|
► |
|
A person who is
confined to bed require extra nursing care. He must be turned frequently,
approximately every two hours, to avoid prolonged pressure on any one part
of the body. Lifting and turning a person requires training and practice.
If you are caring for a bedridden person at home, you will need special
training and advice. Talk with your healthcare professionals about proper
care and have a nurse show you what to do. Please click
here for a list of courses for family caregivers in
Singapore.
|
|
|
► |
|
Protect
areas especially prone to friction, shearing forces, and pressure such as
the heels by using a heel protector.
|
|
|
► |
|
Use
pressure relieving devices to help spread the patient's weight. Special
pillows, mattresses, mattress covers, foam wedges, seat cushions, and other
equipment are available at medical equipment stores. Please click
here for a pictorial guide of some pressure relieving
devices.
|
|
|
►
|
|
When
lifting a person, if possible, encourage him to use his own muscle power
as much as he can manage.
|
|
|
► |
|
Lift,
do not drag, or you will damage the person's skin and put pressure on a
wound.
|
|
|
► |
|
Examine
the person’s body every day and look for discolored skin or other signs
of sores. The first sign of pressure sore is redness on the skin.
|
|
|
► |
|
Keep
the skin clean and dry may help prevent pressure sores and other infections.
|
|
|
► |
|
Massage
the back and other pressure areas at least once a day may
also help to stimulate blood circulation.
|
|
|
► |
|
Maintain
smooth bed linens. All lumps and wrinkles should be smoothed out of
the bedding under the person.
|
|
Return
to Top
|
|
|