Risk Assessment and Pressure Area Care
Describe the anatomy and physiology of the skin in relation to skin breakdown and the development of pressure sores?
1.
The skin protects the body and controls the temperature, the tough outer layer is called the epidermis and is germ proof and water proof and the inner layer the dermis is full of nerve endings, which sends messages to the brain about heat, cold and pain. Pressure sores develop because of long standing pressure onto a particular area of the body causing breakdown of the layer of the skin due to diminished blood supply.
Where the pressure sites?
-Heels
- Inner knees
-Hips
-Sacrum area and buttocks
-Bony areas on your spine
-Shoulders
-Elbows
-Ears
-Any bony prominences
What might put an individual at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores?
-Poor basic nursing care (hygiene, not being turned hourly)
-Nutrition
-Certain diseases
Describe how incorrect handling and moving techniques can damage the skin?
Not being gentle with clients and if you don’t use the correct moving techniques by moving a client the skin can sheer and damage the underlying skin which then can cause pressure sores. Putting too much pressure on certain areas can cause severe bruising to the skin.
What could reduce the risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores?
- Frequent turning of bed bound clients
- Frequent moving of clients that are immobile.
-Good hygiene and basic care
-Use of barrier creams
-Correct handling, moving techniques and use of equipment
What changes to an individual’s skin conditions should be reported?
-Redness
-Discolouration
-Inflammation
-Irritation
-Broken skin
2.
What legislation, policies and procedures affecting pressure area care?
The Health and Safety Act with COSHH and Manual Handling Regulations, the Human Rights Act, the Health and Social Care Act) and the Essential Standards, the Mental Capacity Act, the Disability Discrimination Act, the Race Relations Act.
Describe agreed ways of working
1.
The skin protects the body and controls the temperature, the tough outer layer is called the epidermis and is germ proof and water proof and the inner layer the dermis is full of nerve endings, which sends messages to the brain about heat, cold and pain. Pressure sores develop because of long standing pressure onto a particular area of the body causing breakdown of the layer of the skin due to diminished blood supply.
Where the pressure sites?
-Heels
- Inner knees
-Hips
-Sacrum area and buttocks
-Bony areas on your spine
-Shoulders
-Elbows
-Ears
-Any bony prominences
What might put an individual at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores?
-Poor basic nursing care (hygiene, not being turned hourly)
-Nutrition
-Certain diseases
Describe how incorrect handling and moving techniques can damage the skin?
Not being gentle with clients and if you don’t use the correct moving techniques by moving a client the skin can sheer and damage the underlying skin which then can cause pressure sores. Putting too much pressure on certain areas can cause severe bruising to the skin.
What could reduce the risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores?
- Frequent turning of bed bound clients
- Frequent moving of clients that are immobile.
-Good hygiene and basic care
-Use of barrier creams
-Correct handling, moving techniques and use of equipment
What changes to an individual’s skin conditions should be reported?
-Redness
-Discolouration
-Inflammation
-Irritation
-Broken skin
2.
What legislation, policies and procedures affecting pressure area care?
The Health and Safety Act with COSHH and Manual Handling Regulations, the Human Rights Act, the Health and Social Care Act) and the Essential Standards, the Mental Capacity Act, the Disability Discrimination Act, the Race Relations Act.
Describe agreed ways of working