Table of Contents
What is a device-related pressure ulcer?
The term ‘medical device-related pressure ulcer’ focuses the health professional and others on pressure ulceration related only to medical devices. Importantly, a device-related pressure ulcer (DRPU) may be caused by a medical device, object or product without a medical purpose.
What devices can cause pressure injuries?
3 Examples of devices associated with pressure injuries include feeding tubes, oxygen delivery devices, intravenous catheters, orthopedic devices, and many others that assist patients with their daily routine and needs.
What devices can be used to prevent pressure ulcers?
Pressure relieving and redistributing devices are widely accepted methods of trying to prevent the development of pressure ulcers for people considered as being at risk. The devices used include different types of mattresses, overlays, cushions and seating.
How can device-related pressure injury be prevented?
Prevention
- choosing the correct size medical device to fit the patient.
- cushioning and protecting the skin with dressings in high-risk areas (nasal bridge, rim of device)
- removing or moving devices, when possible, to assess skin at least daily.
- avoiding device placement over sites of prior or existing PIs.
What is the Braden Q scale?
The Braden Q Scale for Predicting Pediatric Pressure Ulcer Risk (Braden Q Scale) is a widely used, valid, and reliable pediatric-specific pressure ulcer risk assessment tool. Since its original publication, requests for clarification on how best to use the tool across the wide spectrum of pediatric patients.
What is the pathophysiology of pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers typically begin when the individual’s body weight exerts a downward force on the skin and subcutaneous tissue that lie between a bony prominence and an external surface, such as a mattress or wheelchair cushion. Sustained pressure from medical devices may also cause pressure injuries.
What is a pressure injury?
Pressure injuries are sores (ulcers) that happen on areas of the skin that are under pressure. The pressure can come from lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair, or wearing a cast for a long time. Pressure injuries are also called bedsores, pressure sores, or decubitus ulcers.
What are offloading devices?
Pressure relieving (offloading) devices are specialized products, such as casts, removable casts or specialized shoes that relieve pressure on foot ulcers to help them heal and reduce the risk of amputation.
What type of medical equipment can cause medical device pressure injuries?
The following are examples of medical devices that can cause pressure ulcers to develop on hospitalized patients:
- Antiembolism stockings.
- Bedpans.
- Bite blocks.
- Cervical collars.
- Fecal containment devices.
- Foley catheters.
- Medical helmets.
- Orthopedic appliances (e.g., braces, casts, halo vests, orthotics, splints)
What is the Humpty Dumpty scale?
The Humpty Dumpty Falls Scale (HDFS), a seven-item assessment scale used to document age, gender, diagnosis, cognitive impairments, environmental factors, response to surgery/sedation, and medication usage, is one of several instruments developed to assess fall risk in pediatric patients.
What are the 5 causes of pressure sores?
Risk factors
- Immobility. This might be due to poor health, spinal cord injury and other causes.
- Incontinence. Skin becomes more vulnerable with extended exposure to urine and stool.
- Lack of sensory perception.
- Poor nutrition and hydration.
- Medical conditions affecting blood flow.
What is a removable cast walker?
Removable Cast Walker is a specifically designed walker used to offload a patient with a Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) and is used to heal DFUs by distributing weight along the entire bottom of the foot. Healing rates for DFU are vastly improved when patients are offloaded.
What is offloading a wound?
Offloading refers to minimizing or removing weight placed on the foot to help prevent and heal ulcers, particularly those caused by poor circulation to the feet due to diabetes.
What are the five stages of pressure ulcers?
Stage 1 and 2 ulcers usually do not require surgery, but stage 3 and 4 ulcers may.
- Stage 1. The skin isn’t broken, but it’s discolored.
- Stage 2. A break in the skin reveals a shallow sore or cut that may leak pus.
- Stage 3. The ulcer is much deeper within the skin, affecting your fat layer.
- Stage 4.
- Unstageable.