Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Immobile Patients

Background This project evaluates immobile patients and how the use of turning the patient every 2 hours with pillow support and use of pressure-reducing mattresses reduces the incidence of pressure ulcers. This project is important for the reduction in pressure ulcers in patients who are unable to reposition or ambulate. Literature Review A study by Turnell from The American Journal of Critical Care studied that routinely repositioning a patient every 2 hours on alternating sides and their back with pillow support reduces the pressure placed on bony prominences such as the sacrum, coccyx, elbows, knees, ankles, and heels. The use of pressure mattresses evenly distributes the patient\u27s weight to relieve stress on pressure points. The study also talks about how the use of Q2 turn alerts will remind the nursing staff when to reposition the patient. The technology that was used is called triaxial accelerometer-based sensors. The study was done in two phases. The first phase was with the sensors and no data feedback for nursing staff and the other was with the sensors and visual cues of repositioning. The goal of this study was to measure protocol compliance when it came to repositioning. Methods To conduct this project Nurses, care techs, and LPNs must adhere to 2-hour repositioning with pillow support and ensure pressure-reducing mattresses are in use for patients who are immobile and at risk for pressure ulcers. These interventions should be charted every two hours with changes in the patient\u27s position and charting where pillows are placed for bony prominences. Evaluation These interventions will be evaluated by the percentage of pressure ulcers that develop in the unit within 3 months. The goal is to see a reduction in the number of pressure ulcers that develop with immobile patients throughout their hospital stay. Keywords: Pressure ulcers, Q2 turns, skin breakdown, repositioning, immobility, pressure mattresses, bed ridden