Question

1 Please discuss nursing care to prevent skin breakdown:

Bed linen

Skin care

2. What are 3 physiologic changes that make the elderly more at risk for skin

breakdown?

3..What are feeding/hydration priorities/guidelines to prevent Pressure ulcers?

4. What are wound care principles to remember regarding:

More vs less contaminated areas?

How hard to rub?

What kind of cleaning fluid?

Answer 1

1. Nursing care to prevent skin breakdowns:

· Bed linen: the bed linen should be clean and hygienic in order to prevent bed sores. The bed sheet should be made up of breathable fabric such as cotton and it should be comfortable for the patient. Moreover, the position of the patient should be changed after every 2 hours to prevent bed sores.

· Skin care: skin infection in the bed ridden patients are very common. So barrier ointments, gels and creams must be used for the patients. Barrier creams can prevent the skin from the moisture causing agents such as urine, sweat and other contaminants.

2. Physiological changes that makes the elderly more at the risk of skin infections are:

· Lack of hydration

· Declined ability of the epidermis to restore the skin tears

· Increased vulnerability and decreased immunity to external infectious agents such as fungus and bacteria.

3. Nutrition and hydration plays an important role in preventing pressure ulcers. Enough hydration can help in wound healing and it has been seen that dehydration reduces the padding over the bones. This can speed down wound recovery. Moreover, nutrients are required for increased energy demand of the body for healing wounds. Nutrients such as vitamin A, C and E are effective in preventing pressure ulcers.

4. Wound care principles

· More v/s less contaminated area: principle of cleaning the wound

· How hard to rub: Haemostasis

· What kind of cleaning fluid: principle of cleaning the wound