Patient/caregiver was educated on measures to manage and prevent pressure ulcer development as follows:
- Wheelchair and bedbound patients must be encouraged for exercises to improve the upper body and arm strength, as tolerated and allowed. Better upper body and arm strength can allow more independence with frequent position change and relieve pressure on the vulnerable areas of skin prone for breakdown.
- Bedbound patients can be periodically turned onto their sides, their back supported with the help of pillows and cushions. Wheelchair bound patients could be safely tilted onto their sides, to reposition them and redistribute the weight, to help prevent pressure ulcer development.
- Excessive elevation of head of bed can lead to sliding down low in the bed and shearing injury of skin, which can lead to pressure ulcer development. Elevate the head of your bed to no more than 30 degrees. This can help prevent sliding down in the bed, avoid any shearing injury to the skin, and prevent development of pressure ulcers.
- In patients undergoing prolonged bedrest, having pillows under the back of legs, with the heels floating and not resting on the bed surface, can help prevent pressure ulcer development on the heels.
