TREATMENT OF PRESSURE AREAS

REQUIREMENTS #

1. A trolley with the following items:
   1. Top shelf
      1. A bowl
      2. Soap in a dish
      3. Barrier cream
      4. 2/3 hand towels
   2. Bottom shelf
      1. Jug of warm water
      2. Bucket for used water
      3. Mackintosh and dressing towel
      4. Bed linen

STEPS #

1. Explain procedure to patient
2. Assess patient’s skin
3. Perform hand hygiene
4. Set trolley and send to patient bedside
5. Provide privacy
6. Remove patient’s bedclothes and cover with a sheet
7. Protect bed with long mackintosh and bath towel/blanket
8. Pour water into the basin
9. Roll patient onto the side, left/right lateral or prone, with head turned to one side
10. Examine and note any abnormality
11. Clean all pressure areas (back of the head, ears, hand, scapula, sacrum, elbows, hips, buttocks, knees, ankles, heels and toes) with soap and water in a soft towel with gloved hands
12. Knead or rub in a circular motion all pressure areas with tip of fingers, or pad of one area at a time
13. Rinse and dry skin with a soft dry towel
14. Ensure skin is dry without any moisture
15. Apply moisturizing cream or barrier cream
16. Groom and dress patient in a clean clothing
17. Position patient intermittently in any of the following positions at 30° angle: prone, supine, right or left lateral, right or left sim’s
18. Remove long mackintosh and dressing towel
19. Dispose off used items, decontaminate trolley and used linen
20. Perform hand hygiene
21. Document procedure and report findings
22. Inform the appropriate officer of any abnormality