Instructed patient to report to nurse or MD at the first sign or symptom of pressure ulcer formation, for example: redness that remains half an hour after pressure has been removed from area.
Patient was instructed on the risk and factors that contribute to the development of pressure ulcers, such as malnutrition, dehydration, impaired mobility, chronic conditions, impaired sensation, infection, advance age and pressure ulcer present.
Patient was instructed on how to prevent pressure ulcer. A proper skin care is crucial and involves inspecting skin daily and an individualized bathing schedule, using warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Avoid massage over bony prominences and use lubricants if skin is dry.
Patient was instructed on how to manage pressure that is necessary to avoid future complications. Provide appropriate support surface, repositioning every two hours in bed, off-load heel using pillows or positioning boot, use pillow between legs for side lying.
Patient was instructed on what to avoid in presence of ulcers. Friction and shear need to be reduced. Friction is the mechanical force exerted when skin is dragged against a coarse surface while shear is the mechanical force caused by the interplay of gravity and friction.
Patient was instructed how to reduce friction and shear. Use draw sheet for repositioning, encourage use of trapeze if possible, keep head of bed elevated (if tolerated), elevate foot of bed slightly (if condition permits), use pillow or wedge to support hip (side lying, lateral position), utilize lifts and transfer devices.
Patient was instructed on the optimization of wound environment. Adequate nutrition and hydration, remove nonviable tissue, maintain moisture balance, protect the wound and peri-wound skin, eliminate or minimize pain, cleanse, prevent and manage infection, control odor.
Patient was instructed on adequate nutrition and hydration to minimize wound development. Encourage protein, calorie-dense foods and fluids (unless contraindicated), monitor intake, weight and skin turgor, assess and address impairments in dentition and swallowing.
Patient was instructed on eliminate or minimize pain of wound. Address the cause (remove the source if external, treat the infection or medicate based on physiological stimulus), pharmacological strategies
Patient was instructed on pain caused by pressure ulcers. Pain can be classified as acute or chronic. Cyclic acute pain, which is periodic and corresponds to the pain experienced during repeated management, such as dressing changes or patient repositioning and non-cyclic acute pain, which is accidental, including pain experienced during occasional procedures such as debridement or drain removal.
