Skin integrity assessment and pressure area care

Pressure ulcer is localised damage to the skin usually over a bony prominence caused by sustained pressure. Skin integrity is essential for patient good health because it acts as a barrier to microbes and toxins from the external environment (sunlight and radiation. As individuals age their skin loses integrity making them susceptible to pressure injury. Pressure ulcers have a negative effect on an individual well-being. A good knowledge of how pressure ulcers develop will help minimise the risk and with appropriate assessment of the skin integrity, pressure ulcers would be prevented.

During my placement in the community, I observed the district nurse dressing wounds and gave advice to the patient on the stages of the wound and the next step to follow. This topic has highlighted the common assessment of the skin to follow to prevent pressure ulcers. It also helped me to understand the stages of wound healing such as the Haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation stages.

This topic has been broken down into sections such as how and why pressure ulcers develop, pressure ulcer classification and assessment. Also, it is crucial to continue to assess the common sites for pressure ulcers such as the supine position (heels, buttocks, sacrum, coccyx, and scapulae), the prone position (toe, knees) and lateral position (elbow, ribs and ear).

The principles of caring for a patient with a wound means having the essential equipment needed depending on the patient’s need and type of care such as analgesia and dressing park. Also, consider the factors influencing pressure ulcer development such as level of mobility, age and acute, chronic and terminal illness. As well as prevention strategies such as repositioning, mobility, pressure-relieving aids, and nutrition.

In conclusion, good skin integrity improves individual general well-being. As a nurse, it is important to assess patient skin integrity within 6 hours of admission to the hospital. it would help with early diagnosis and prevention. Also, improves health and early discharge.

Reference

Mitchell, A. (2018) “Adult Pressure Area Care: Preventing Pressure Ulcers,” British Journal of Nursing, 27(18), pp. 1050–1052. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2018.27.18.1050.