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Reduce pressure ulcers

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, January 22, 2008

Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL--an ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® recipient in 2005--has sought to reduce its pressure ulcer occurrence rates by educating caregivers about pressure ulcers. It focuses the education on the most common areas for at-risk patients in the adult surgical heart unit to acquire ulcers, which are the coccyx/sacral area and the heels. Every patient room is now equipped with charts for bedside nurses to follow, including recommendations on how to prevent and treat these common areas.

The charts contain the following recommendations:

Heel treatment

• Assess heels every shift
• Discontinue anti-embolic stockings for both at risk patients and patients with impaired skin
• Assess the Achilles tendon area with heel lifts-using compression devices for heel lifts can place these areas at risk for further skin impairment
• Use rotational beds

Coccyx/sacral areas

• Turn the patient every two hours
• Use skin barrier creams and leave the area open to air for all Stage I (ulcer appears as a defined area of persistent redness) and non-draining Stage II (ulcer presents clinically as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater) ulcers
• Use hydro-colloid dressing for draining wounds
• Discontinue clear adhesive dressings including skin tears
• Use hydro-colloid non-adhesive for weeping wounds such as skin tears and wrap with Kerlex

Source: adapted from the January issue of HCPro's Advisor to the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®. Not a member? Click here for more information.

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