When one advances age, the skin loses its elasticity and gets dry over time. Also, the influence of a medical condition e.g. diabetes can delay wound healing so that is why priorities in caring for the wound is extremely important. As a health care provider, it is your responsibility to assess and monitor the patient’s skin status specifically when one has been bedridden for months. When tissues are compressed for a period of time i.e. sitting and lying, the supply of blood is impeded because of the lack of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue cells. Thus, restricting blood circulation and if there is continuous pressure it can lead to permanent damage which is death to the tissues. What action plans should the tissue viability nurse or health care providers do?
Caring Nurses Services, is a home care agency in Edgewood, MD, which answers to your dire need of a health care professional to look after your loved ones either at home or in a healthcare facility. Our health care professionals are experienced, compassionate, and have gone through background checks. Our competent staff will ensure that all your medical needs are given priorities, most especially concerning wound care among elderly patients.
As a home care agency in Edgewood, MD, Caring Nurses Services skilled nurses follow individual care plans with the application of seven-point action plans that is acceptable for the patient’s condition. Here are how our qualified nurses or health care personnel intervene with wound problems as in line with international management standards of care for wounds:
- Assessment
Within initial contact of the patient, the nurse or interdisciplinary team involved in the care should assess the patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcer and to record and document the risk assessment as necessary.
- Common areas where pressure ulcer is apparent: ankles, elbows, heels, hips, sacrum and occiput (bony prominences)
- Skin conditions to look out for: redness, cracking, dryness, fragility, heat, blisters
- Constant Monitoring or Reassessment
There should be a continuous assessment of wound for the patient, and must be reassessed if the circumstances of the patient have changed. Note the following red flags of pressure damage:
- persistent redness ; non-blanching erythema (redness) of intact skin
- skin discoloration; warmth feel
- blisters or breaks in the skin
- Implementing an Individualized Plan of Care
The care plan is an important document a patient must have, this serves as a communication among health care team members involved in the care. Also to keep a record of the wound, treatments, specific interventions done, progress, and care evaluation.
- Decide on Pressure Relieving Devices Applicable for the Patient
Choosing the ideal pressure relieving devices should depend on the risk assessment score of the patient and the target outcomes. Specialist mattress, seating cushion etc., are some devices that could relieve pressure.
- Protect Skin Integrity
Handling patient’s wound should be done with proper care. Use emollient soaps such as emulsifying wax and aqueous cream for dehydrated or dry skin and apply a moisturizer topically.
- Monitor Nutritional Status
According to studies, calorie malnutrition is a major factor in the progression of pressure ulcers. Because when the body does not have enough supply of nutrients it will result to delay in wound healing and repair.
- Devise Appropriate Moving and Handling Techniques for the Patient
Even though patients may need assistance at all times, they must be encouraged to independently move in any way possible. For fully dependent patients, nurses and other health care team members must know safety techniques in moving and handling patients such as using slide sheets and avoiding drag and cradle lifting.
Caring Nurses Services, as a home care agency in Edgewood, MD can be reached at 410-676-2222 for your inquiries or if you want to communicate with us online, we will be happy to assist you in filling out this form www.caringnurse.org/home-care-contact-us. We care the best, so just leave us the rest!
