Patient/caregiver was educated on causes of pressure ulcer development as follows:
Pressure on the skin
- Prolonged and unrelieved pressure on the skin over dependent body parts can compress the skin significant enough to compromise blood supply to the affected area.
- Normal blood supply is necessary to provide oxygen & nutrients to the body tissues and drain carbon dioxide & wastes from the body tissues.
- Compromised blood supply to the area of affected skin by unrelieved pressure can result in reduced oxygen & nutrient delivery and lead to injury, which upon due progression can result in pressure ulcer development.
Friction of the skin
- Friction injury can occur during moving/transporting/dressing/change of position by helpers, when the bedbound individual is dragged along the surface of bed, without complete lifting of the individual from the surface of contact.
- Also, aggressive wiping of affected skin during cleansing, continuous rubbing of skin against rough clothing, pads, & bedsheets can also contribute to friction injury and pressure ulcer development.
