Older adults may be bedridden due to injuries, chronic diseases, and senile asthenia. Almost complete immobility leads to the fact that the soft tissues of the back and limbs are under constant pressure from the body’s weight. As a result, local blood circulation is disrupted, and skin necrosis occurs. Bedsores form on the body, which is the entrance gate for infection, and are difficult to treat (Mervis & Phillips, 2019). Their presence significantly complicates the care of bedridden patients and poses a danger to a weakened body.
Bedsores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues that occur due to prolonged compression of tissues. Most often, bedsores occur on those areas of the skin above the bone protrusions: knees, elbows, hips, buttocks, and sacrum. An evidence-based decision will be whether it is necessary to assess how much patients undergoing treatment are susceptible to the appearance of pressure sores. In addition, patients at risk need to be provided with modern mattresses or pads that will prevent the formation of bedsores. Furthermore, it is necessary to give careful care to patients who are prone to the appearance of bedsores, for example, periodic changes in the patient’s position on the bed, regular dressings, and special dietary supplements.
Nursing intervention, in this case, will consist of several stages, which will depend on the stage of the bedsore itself. In case of ulcers, it is necessary to ensure the outflow of pus and drain the cavity. The expected result will be a decrease in pressure in the damaged area. In addition, the pit must be isolated to prevent the ingress of bacteria and the risk of infection. Another stage is the education of patients on the issue of home care. It is necessary to explain to the patient or relatives who will provide home care how it is essential to take care of the area prone to bedsores, relieve pressure, and care for open wounds.
Care for patients with bedsores will consist of regular monitoring of the skin condition in the formation area or possible appearance of bedsores. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the patient’s position, that is, periodically facilitating their movements or flipping to the other side (Atkinson & Cullum, 2018). Evaluation of the equipment on which the patient is located, i.e., mattress, pillow, and wheelchair, is also part of nursing care. Nurses need to regularly assess the skin condition in areas where the most prominent bones are located.
Health agencies are actively researching the issue of prevention and treatment of pressure sores directly at home to reduce pain in patients, as well as to promote their speedy recovery. Measures for the treatment and prevention of bedsores in bedridden patients are being developed. The database of measurements is based on evidence-based medicine, as well as on statistical data on the most appropriate treatment.
The practice of nurses is based on the initial diagnosis of the likelihood of bedsores. In addition, nursing practice consists in taking care of the patient’s skin and controlling the position of the lying patient on the bed. The patient needs to be provided with a comfortable position and a particular type of equipment that will prevent the appearance of bedsores and promote the healing of cavities after removing pus (Boyko et al., 2018). The nurse should monitor the decrease in pressure in the area of bedsores to reduce pain in the patient. Moreover, at the end of the patient’s stay in a medical facility, the nurse must explain how the patient and relatives can take care of the damaged area at home.
In conclusion, the clinical problem is that patients who cannot move independently can often be susceptible to the appearance of pressure sores. The most common solution may be to help move the patient, significantly reducing the likelihood of skin damage. In addition, the microclimate, which includes nursing care, dressings, comfortable equipment, and a comfortable position, will also have positive results in the recovery of the patient and the prevention of the recurrence of this type of disease.
References
Atkinson, R. & Cullum, N. (2018). Interventions for pressure ulcers: a summary of evidence for prevention and treatment. Spinal Cord, 56(1), 186–198. Web.
Boyko, T., Longaker, M., & Yang, G. (2018). Review of the Current Management of Pressure Ulcers. Advances in Wound Care, 7(2), 57-67. Web.
Mervis, J. & Phillips, T. (2019). Pressure ulcers: Prevention and management. Continuing Medical Education, 81(4), 893-902. Web.