Undertake Agreed Pressure Area Care

Table of Contents

Undertake Agreed Pressure Area Care

Undertake Agreed Pressure Area Care

Undertake Agreed Pressure Area Care

Outcome1: Undertake Agreed Pressure Area Care

Long-term contact with an abed or splint can cause pressure sores or decubitus ulcers, which are caused by an insufficient supply of blood to tissues over a bony location like the heel. The surface of the skin can ulcerate which may become infected–eventually, subcutaneous and deeper tissues are harmed besides the heel, other places usually implicated are the skin around the buttocks, spine, ankles, hips, and other bony sites of the body.
A pressure sore goes through four stages.
A grade one: Pressure ulcer is the most superficial type of ulcer. It appears red and discolored on a Caucasian individual, but it might be purple or blue on a person of color. When pressure is applied to an ulcer of Grade 1, it does not turn white. The skin remains intact but it may hurt or itch, it may also feel either warm and spongy, or rigid.
In the second grade: The epidermis and dermis of the skin are injured, resulting in skin loss in pressure ulcers. The ulcer seems to be an open sore or a blister on the skin.
In the third grade: Skin loss develops across the full thickness of the skin due to pressure ulcers. Damage has also been done to the underlying tissue. A significant amount of muscle and bone remains intact. The wound looks like a deep cavern, which is how an ulcer appears.
This is the most severe sort of pressure ulcer, designated as a grade four. The skin is severely injured and the surrounding tissue begins to die (tissue necrosis) (tissue necrosis). Damage to the muscles or bones beneath the skin is possible as well. People with grade four pressure ulcers have a high risk of developing a life-threatening infection.

Check out another question that was answered by our nursing paper writers on NR 601 Primary Care Of The Maturing And Aged Family Practicum.

1.1 Describe the anatomy and physiology of the skin in relation to skin breakdown and the development of pressure sores

Skin is the largest organ of the body and can be damaged easily. Pressure sores can happen when there is a constant deficiency of blood to the tissues over an area. The most commonly affected areas include ankles, sacrum area, buttocks, hip, and other bony areas of the body.

1.2 Identify pressure sites of the body

•Ankles
•Sacrum
•Buttocks
•Hips
•Legs
•Knees

1.3 Identify factors that might put an individual at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores

•Staying in bed for an extended period of time
•Staying in one position for an extended period of time
•Sitting in a chair or wheelchair for long periods
•Skin being weak can be easily damaged

1.4 Describe how incorrect handling and moving techniques can damage the skin

If a service user is nursed in bed and is not turned regularly onto various sides and back this can cause pressure sores as the service user is staying in one position for an extended period of time which leads to the breakdown of the skin. If the user is kept in a wheelchair or curtain chair for too long this can also damage the skin. Incorrect or non-use of glide sheets and hoists affect the skin as moving without these can cause pressure and damage. Service users should be moved and repositioned according to their care plan.

1.5 Identify a range of interventions that can reduce the risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores

•Turning service users nursed in bed regularly.
•Alternate sides.
•Correct use of glide sheets, hoists, and manual handling.
•Regular checks on pressure sites to find a pressure sore early.
•Not keeping service users in one chair or wheelchair for long periods.

1.6 Describe changes to an individual’s skin condition that should be reported

•Swelling
•Hard skin
•Cool or hot skin
•Redness
•Red patches that won’t go away
•Dry skin
•Sore skin
•Marked areas
•Broken skin
All of these should be reported.
Understand good practice in relation to own role when undertaking pressure area care

Outcome2: Undertake Agreed Pressure Area Care

2.1 Identify legislation and national guidelines affecting pressure area care

•Human rights act
•National pressure ulcer advisory panel
•CQC
•Care standards act
•European pressure ulcer advisory panel
NICE guidelines

2.2 Describe agreed ways of working relating to pressure area care

Policies and procedures in the workplace, as well as individuals’ care plans, which specify the care the individual needs for pressure areas, are all agreed-upon ways of working. It will also include a risk assessment outlining their potential for developing pressure area disorders.

2.3 Describe why team working is important in relation to providing pressure area care

We should check and adhere to our workplace’s procedures. Adhere to correct moving and handling, turning charts, agreed care plans (how often to turn service user’s) always report and record. PPE checking of equipment. All staff should be up to date in training and agree on how to carry out tasks, ensure all staffs are working from the same clear instructions. If there is consistency there it is less likely the service user will develop a pressure sore.

Outcome3: Undertake Agreed Pressure Area Care

Be able to follow the agreed care plan

3.1 Describe why it is important to follow the agreed care plan

Residents are assessed regularly and care plans updated. Care plans are to ensure the resident is getting the best care for their diagnosis and that it gives them a safe environment and quality of life. If care plans are followed it is less likely the service user can develop a pressure sore. Care plans are agreed upon between the service user, staff, and family which makes the service user’s best interest at the heart of the care plan. If staff are up to date on a care plan it means they are all working under clear instruction and not following separate routines. Correct and consistent care decreases the service user’s chance of sores and damage to the skin.

3.3 Identify any concerns with the agreed care plan prior to undertaking the pressure area care

In my workplace, we have a service user Mr. X who usually gets up in the morning into a wheelchair. Putting him into bed one night we noticed a small pressure sore starting, we informed senior staff (nurse) as we are meant to and looked at the care plan. We had to amend the care plan as soon as possible to be kept in bed instead of up in a wheelchair for a few days, we had to amend turning times in the care plan to 2 hourly from left to right and to be kept off back as much as possible.

We also had to include not being left in a wheelchair for long periods of time.

3.4 Describe actions to take where any concerns with the agreed care plan are noted

If we have any concerns with the agreed care plan we must communicate this verbally or in writing to senior staff (nurse manager) and fellow colleagues immediately. We would write this in a carer communication book but also report to the nurse manager. The nurse manager must then assess the service user again and discuss the care plan with colleagues, service user, and service user’s family to ensure the service user is getting the best possible care.

3.5 Identify the pressure area risk assessment tools which are used in your own work area

In our nursing home, we carry out a risk assessment as the service user is being admitted. We continuously check the skin for any breakdown when moving, handling, or repositioning. We also ensure the service user’s facilities matches their needs such as a mattress, if they need an airflow mattress or ordinary mattress. Armchairs, whether they need an armchair, curtain chair or recliner, and have an OT that will assess wheelchair suitability. All of these precautions help prevent pressure sores.

3.6 Explain why it is important to use risk assessment tools

We must use risk assessment tools to ensure all equipment and facilities are suitable for the service user. With the correct precautions, pressure sores can be avoided. We must also do it to ensure we are complying with all guidelines and policies and procedures. Understand the use of materials, equipment and resources are available when undertaking pressure area care

Outcome4: Undertake Agreed Pressure Area Care

4.1 Identify a range of aids or equipment used to relieve pressure

•Soft foam mattresses
•Air mattresses
•Pro pad cushions
•V cushions
•Pillows
•Mattress toppers
•Foot protectors
•Dressings
•Elevating pillows

4.2 Describe safe use of aids and equipment.

It is important that you are up to date with the service user’s care plan to identify any risks. Use the correct equipment for that service user. Glide sheets and hoists should be used correctly by 2 carers and staff should be up to date with all training. Any electrical equipment such as airflow mattresses needs to be installed by professionals and kept at the correct pressure for that service user. Check and maintain all equipment regularly.

4.3 Identify where up-to-date information and support can be obtained about:

•Materials – Policies and procedures, management or colleagues, provider of the materials, and the internet.

•Equipment – Moving and handling training and guidelines, management, provider of the equipment, LOLER and the internet.

•Resources – resources provider, management, colleagues, the internet.

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