Prepared by: Bander alrasheedi RN, BSN

Caregiver Role in Prevention And Management of Pressure Ulcer

A person who has the motivation and the capability and well educated to take care of the patient at home.

Education of caregiver is essential in the prevention and management of pressure ulcer.

Caregiver should have a clear understanding of the potential impact of a pressure ulcer and the importance of its prevention.

Caregiver should know the contributing risk factors and strategies that assist in reducing

the risk.

Who is the caregiver ?

Prevention vs Treatment More effort needed Little effort neededHigh cost Low costPossible patient stress, discomfort and pain

Patient comfort assured

Recurent admissions and long stay at hospital

Reduces hospital admissions and stay

Changing in care plan Patient in control

That's why prevention its better

Reduce the pressure on the pressure points by changing the patient position at least every 2 hour when in bed and every 15 minutes when seated While changing or adjusting patient position on the bed the caregiver MUST lift the patient and MUST NOT drag him to avoid friction and shear

Caregiver role in prevention:

Avoid shearing : by keeping the maximum elevation of the head of the bed < 30◦

Minimize friction by proper handling of patient (using lifting sheets and mobility aids)

Using of heel protectors and seat cushions (e.g. foam cushions or pillows)

Cont:

Cont:Apply the support surface ( static or dynamic ) to the top of a bed mattress which can be filled with air, water, gel, or foam, or a combination of these products.

Provide the appropriate skin care, using only warm water and mild soaps for paths, use moisturizers for dry skin.

Managing of incontinence: use absorbent under pads. be attentive to soiling. Use urinary catheter if applicable.

•maintain a good nutritional and fluids status by given the amount and type of nutrition fluids as doctor or nutritionist recommendation.

•Proper management of coexisting chronic disease. E.g. DM and HTN

•Observation of skin for early detection of any changing in skin color or integrity before any complications occur

The most important role of caregiver in pressure ulcer management is prevention of infection

Provide a personal hygiene to the patient and Keeping skin clean and free of sweat, wound drainage, urine, and feces. Use a mild cleansing soap to keep skin healthy. And being careful not to scrub the skin too hard.

keeping the patient room clean and well ventilated

The proper use of PPE when dealing with patient and perform hand hygiene

Caregiver Role in Management:

Cont:Applying and changing pressure ulcer dressing as medical instructions

Informing the medical team of any changing in pressure ulcer status

Giving medication as Physician description

Maintain a good fluid and nutrition status

Changing position and avoid to Repositioning patient on the pressure ulcer