FWLHD Clinical Nurse Consultant Wound and Stoma Management Megan Jordan said awareness of pressure injury prevention is important both in the hospital setting and for people at home or in aged care facilities.
“A pressure injury is an injury to the skin caused by unrelieved pressure, usually over areas where bones are close to the skin. It may occur when people are less able to move due to illness or injury. They can also develop under plasters, splints or braces, and around medical equipment such as tubes, masks or drains,” Ms Jordan said.
“They can happen quickly, from lying or sitting in the same position for too long. They can be painful, take a long time to heal, and may lead to other complications.
People most at risk of developing pressure injuries are:
- Older aged or very young
- Immobile or unable to reposition
- Underweight, eating poorly or have experienced recent weight loss
- Overweight
- Incontinence (bladder or bowel)
- Experiencing reduced sensation/feeling- for example as a result of diabetes
“To help prevent a pressure injury, people need to look out for signs including redness or skin discolouration, tenderness, pain, blisters and/or broken skin,” said Mrs Jordan.
There are a number of ways to prevent pressure injuries, including:
- Move more frequently. Reposition yourself or ask your carer / nurse for assistance
- Eat healthy food and drink fluids regularly unless you are on a fluid restriction
- Keep your skin clean and dry. Change incontinence pads when wet, clean and moisture skin
- Look after your feet - check your skin on the feet regularly, wear well-fitting shoes
- Use appropriate pressure relieving equipment as prescribed by your healthcare professional. This may include air mattresses, pressure relieving cushions
- Check your skin daily. If you notice any warning signs speak to a healthcare professional for advice. If you are hospitalised speak to your nurse regarding a skin check each day.
More information on pressure injury prevention can be found here: https://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/keep-patients-safe/older-persons-patient-safety-program/pressure-injury
