How to prevent pressure ulcer
PICO (T) Elements characteristics explanation
P Patient, population or problem - the problem in this case is pressure ulcer
Which refers to skin injuries and
Underlying tissue that results from
Prolonged pressure on the skin or a
Combination of pressure with shear.
- The condition develops when a large quantity pressure is applied to a given area of skin within a shortest period
- The problem is observed in the following stages; it starts with signs of impending ulceration, followed by partial loss of skin, thereafter a large volume loss of skin, then a long depth of the wound that cannot be appreciated.
I Intervention, factor, risk, assessment - treatment of this disease starts with
tool, or prognostic factor reducing pressure that caused it. This
can be done through repositioning and
use of support surfaces.
- The clinician is also required to clean and dress the wound.
- A clinician is also required to remove damaged and infected tissue from the wounds.
C Comparison intervention - other interventions include pain
Management, management of
incontinence, healthy diet and
negative pressure therapy.
O Outcome - this condition can be prevented in a
number of ways;
One way to prevent it is frequent change of body positions such that there is less pressure entering the skin
- It is also important to keep one’s skin clean and dry
- Another way to prevent is through use of pillows between parts of the body. It is recommendable that people should always use a pillow under tailbones, heels, shoulders and elbows.
- It can also be prevented through physical exercise. One should perform a number of motion exercises.
- Nutrition is also another factor that helps in the prevention of this disease. One is required to have a healthy feeding containing all recommended food values.
T Time None
References
Stonelake, K. M. (2015). Skin Care Pocket Guide to Reduce the Incidence of Pressure Ulcers. MEDSURG Nursing, 1-8.
