1. Fill in the blanks:
There are two main layers which make up the anatomy of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis. When pressure is applied to the skin the blood supply is cut off and the tissue becomes damaged.
2. There are three main types of force that cause damage to the skin through pressure. These are:
1. Direct Pressure
2. Shear or shearing force
3. Friction or friction force
3. How long does it take for pressure ulcers to start forming?
It is different for each person, some are more susceptible than others. Previously people thought that pressure ulcers started forming after two hours, but this is now known to be inaccurate.
4. What risk factors make service users more susceptible to pressure ulcers? Give …show more content…
4 examples.
1. Age
2. Being under or overweight
3. Moisture on the skin
4. Reduced mobility
5. Circulatory problems
6. Lack of sensation
7. Previous history of pressure damage
5.
What areas on the body are common sites for pressure ulcer development? Give 5 examples.
1. Scalp
2. Shoulder blades
3. Elbows
4. Sacrum
5. Heels
6. Ears
7. Hips
8. Ankles
Answers (6-10)
6. Describe the method you would use to check skin for pressure damage.
First look at all the areas which are common sites for pressure ulcer development for redness. If you find redness on the skin, feel the area with your hands to check for heat and press the area with your fingers to check for damage of the blood vessels.
7. How would you tell the difference between simple reddening of the skin and actual pressure damage?
When you press the reddened areas, healthy skin will go white under your fingers and then return to its normal colour, but damaged skin will stay red, which shows that the blood vessels are damaged.
8. In some cases people have had to have amputations and even died as a consequence of their pressure ulcer. True or false?
True
9. What can you do to help prevent pressure ulcer development in service users? Give 3 examples.
1. Ensure no external factors are causing additional pressure
2. Reposition service users who are sitting and lying down
3. Help service users with skin care
4. Educating the service user in pressure ulcer
prevention
10. How can you help a service user to help themselves in the fight against pressure ulcers?
You can teach them how inspect their own skin, by showing them how they can distinguish between simple redness and actual pressure damage and how to use a mirror to look at parts of the body they cannot see.