//Nursing Interventions and Rationales
Assess skin for signs of hydration pressure injury, and note areas of increased risk
Get a baseline of skin status to compare changes; note areas that are at risk for developing pressure injuries such as heels, sacrum or shoulder blades
Monitor for signs of infection
Note odor and appearance of exudate
Fever
Warmth to touch
Obtain wound cultures as needed
Monitor white blood count (WBC)
Administer antibiotics as required
Not all pressure ulcers/Pressure injuries are infected. Know and monitor for signs and symptoms of developing an infection. Treat current infections appropriately to avoid systemic complications.
Reposition patient at least every 2 hours or more frequently as needed
Use and reposition pillows under arms, between knees (if side-lying) and behind back to reduce pressure and friction
Place rolled sheet or towel under ankles (not heels) to reduce the pressure of heels against bedding
Provide cushions and padding on assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc.
Redistribute weight to remove pressure and prevent tissue injury. Provide for comfort.
Assess the patient’s level of sensation
Patients with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, will be at greater risk of developing pressure injuries but may have decreased sensation. Assess sensation to know if the patient will be able to feel pain or discomfort before a pressure injury occurs.
Assess for incontinence of bowel or bladder
Provide perineal care
Assistance with toileting
Apply barrier cream
Incontinence increases the risk of skin breakdown and risk of pressure injury. Protective devices such as diapers and incontinence pads/liners withhold moisture which can speed up breakdown.
Assess patient’s mobility and assist as necessary
Patients with limited mobility require extra assistance to relieve pressure points
Assess and manage pain
Positioning
Administer analgesics, opioids
Prophylactic pain management may be necessary
Provide appropriate wound care
Cleaning
Debridement
Dressings
Emollients
Skin barriers
Negative pressure wound therapy
Treat current wounds and prevent localized or systemic infection. Promote wound healing.
Promote nutrition and education
Consult dietitian
Offer high-protein, high-calorie diet
Encourage hydration
Optimal nutrition helps aid in wound healing and strengthens tissues to prevent further injury; hydrated skin is at slightly less risk for injury than dry, dehydrated skin.
Evaluation of Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Pressure Ulcer / Decubitus Ulcer (Pressure Injury)
Wound Healing Progress:
Evaluate the progress of wound healing, assessing changes in wound size, appearance, and the development of granulation tissue and epithelialization.
Compare current assessments with baseline measurements.
Complications Prevention:
Monitor for signs of complications such as infection, cellulitis, or osteomyelitis.
Assess the effectiveness of interventions in preventing and managing complications.
Pain Management Effectiveness:
Evaluate the effectiveness of pain management strategies in reducing pain associated with pressure ulcers.
Adjust pain management interventions based on the individual’s pain levels.
Nutritional Status:
Monitor nutritional markers and assess for improvements in protein and caloric levels.
Evaluate the impact of nutritional interventions on wound healing and overall nutritional status.
Psychosocial Well-being:
Assess the individual’s psychosocial well-being, including emotional responses to the pressure ulcer and its impact on daily life.
Evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial support interventions.//
https://nursing.com/lesson/nursing-care-plan-for-pressure-ulcer-decubitus-ulcer