Pressure area care
Unit 4222-229 Undertake agreed pressure area care (HSC2024) Karen Yardley
Outcome 1 understand the anatomy and physiology of the skin in relation to pressure area care
1.1 describe the anatomy and physiology of the skin in relation to skin breakdown and the development of pressure sores.
The skin is the largest organ of the body, covering and protecting the entire surface of the body. The total surface area of the skin is around 3000sq inches depending on age, height and body size. As well as the nails, hair, sweat glands and the sebaceous glands, the skin forms the integumentary system. Besides oroviding protection to the body, the skin also helps regulate body temperature, helps your immune system, provides sensations of touch, heat, cold and pain throught the sensory nerve endings. The skin is primarily composed of three layers, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutanious layer/the hyppodermis. Each layernhas its own function and its own role in maintaining the skin integrity. Pressure sores are the result of a constant deficiency of blood flow to the skin tissue. This is more common over a bony area such as a heel, which may have been in contact with a surface for an extended period of time.
1.2 identify pressure sites of the body
Common pressure points on the body can include the skin:
- over the buttocks
- the sacrum
- the ankles
- the hips
- the heels
- the back of the head
- the shoulder blades
- the elbows
- ears
- base of spine
- thighs
- knees
- toes
- rib cage
1.3 idendify factors which might put an individual at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores
Factors that may put an individual at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores can include:
- aging skin
- alcohol abuse
- drug abuse
- dehydration
- smoking
- high exposure to UV rays
- poor or unhealthy diet 1.4 describe how incorrect moving and handling techniques can damage the skin It is important to recognise the effect on the
Outcome 1 understand the anatomy and physiology of the skin in relation to pressure area care
1.1 describe the anatomy and physiology of the skin in relation to skin breakdown and the development of pressure sores.
The skin is the largest organ of the body, covering and protecting the entire surface of the body. The total surface area of the skin is around 3000sq inches depending on age, height and body size. As well as the nails, hair, sweat glands and the sebaceous glands, the skin forms the integumentary system. Besides oroviding protection to the body, the skin also helps regulate body temperature, helps your immune system, provides sensations of touch, heat, cold and pain throught the sensory nerve endings. The skin is primarily composed of three layers, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutanious layer/the hyppodermis. Each layernhas its own function and its own role in maintaining the skin integrity. Pressure sores are the result of a constant deficiency of blood flow to the skin tissue. This is more common over a bony area such as a heel, which may have been in contact with a surface for an extended period of time.
1.2 identify pressure sites of the body
Common pressure points on the body can include the skin:
- over the buttocks
- the sacrum
- the ankles
- the hips
- the heels
- the back of the head
- the shoulder blades
- the elbows
- ears
- base of spine
- thighs
- knees
- toes
- rib cage
1.3 idendify factors which might put an individual at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores
Factors that may put an individual at risk of skin breakdown and pressure sores can include:
- aging skin
- alcohol abuse
- drug abuse
- dehydration
- smoking
- high exposure to UV rays
- poor or unhealthy diet 1.4 describe how incorrect moving and handling techniques can damage the skin It is important to recognise the effect on the