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Prevention
Preventing Pressure Injuries in the Hospital
Preventing Pressure Injuries in the HospitalIf you are at an increased risk of developing pressure injuries, there are steps you can take to prevent tissuedamage.Your healthcare provider will check your skin each day for signs of redness and damage.You and your caregivers can take an active role too. Light skin may look red or discolored. Dark skin may lookpurplish. The skin may be: painful, warm or cold compared to surrounding skin, or firm or soft compared tosurrounding skin.To prevent pressure injuries and the complications that can come with them, reduce constant pressure on yourskin and underlying tissue. Movement is key.Change positions often, at least every two hours.If you need help repositioning, your healthcare provider or caregiver can help you reposition often.Because bony areas of your body can easily push on your skin and add pressure, protect these areas. Useprotectors or cushions and lie in a position that takes the pressure off areas like your heels, and elbows.Sitting up too far in bed can put your tailbone and base of your spine at risk. In this position, your bones movedown, but your skin can get trapped, creating a pressure injury. To protect your lower back, do not raise thehead of your bed more than 30 degrees.Make sure your bed linens are changed on a regular basis and that your bed is kept wrinkle-free.In addition to avoiding pressure on your skin, take steps to protect healthy skin.Make sure your skin is properly cleaned with warm, soapy water and patted dry. Do not leave your skin wet orsoiled for any period of time. Wet or soiled skin can break down more easily and lead to pressure injuries andinfection.If incontinence is a concern, use pads that absorb moisture and pull it away from your skin instead of adultdiapers that can trap moisture.Dry skin can crack easily. Older skin is usually thin and fragile and loses its elasticity.All increase your risk of developing a pressure injury. Your healthcare provider may recommend lotions,creams or powders to keep your skin healthy.Don’t forget to help keep your skin and tissues healthy from the inside too. Drink plenty of fluids, especiallywater, to keep your skin soft and healthy.And if you smoke, quit. Smoking damages the blood vessels needed to deliver oxygen and nutrients to all yourorgans, including your skin.An unexpected complication like a pressure injury can be painful and put your overall health at risk.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER59436B EN PreventingPressureInjuriesintheHospital.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Preventing Pressure Injuries in the HospitalTake steps to prevent a pressure injury and keep your skin healthy.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER59436B EN PreventingPressureInjuriesintheHospital.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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