Overview
This lecture covers strategies to prevent hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs), focusing on patient positioning, skin care, and use of preventative measures.
Prevention Strategies
- Keep the head of the bed at 30° or less to decrease pressure.
- Elevate the patient's heels to reduce friction and shear.
- Encourage and assist with patient ambulation whenever possible.
- Help patients get out of bed for meals and regular walks.
- Perform daily skin assessments, focusing on bony prominences.
- Apply preventative dressings, such as bordered foams, to high-risk areas.
- Use protective dressings under medical devices like nasal cannulas and catheters.
Hygiene and Moisture Management
- Keep the patient clean and dry to prevent skin breakdown.
- Use toileting schedules and external collection devices for incontinence.
- Check incontinent patients regularly to ensure cleanliness.
- Avoid briefs, as they trap moisture against the skin.
Positioning and Movement
- Use repositioning devices or sheets to prevent friction and shear when moving patients.
- Reposition patients at least every two hours in bed and every hour in a chair.
- Check that no devices, cords, or pads are underneath the patient during repositioning.
- Ensure linens are smooth and free of wrinkles to reduce pressure points.
Nutrition
- Ensure the patient maintains proper nutrition to support skin health and prevent injury.
Key Terms & Definitions
- HAPI (Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury) — An injury to skin or underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, often occurring in hospitalized patients.
- Friction — Skin damage caused by rubbing against a surface.
- Shear — Skin injury from layers of tissue sliding over each other.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Assess patient skin daily, focusing on bony areas.
- Follow scheduled repositioning routines.
- Promote patient mobility and proper hygiene.
- Review related materials or flashcards for more information.