Tips for Bedsore Prevention
Tips for Bedsore Prevention.Bed sores are a miserable sign that has been overlooked. The best way is to prevent bedsores before they start. However, many times, bedsores are in their advanced stages before they are noticed, which in turn requires long-term and difficult treatment. To help prevent bedsores, some activities can be done to ensure the best opportunities.
Change position regularly
People with limited mobility should change their positions every 15 minutes. Patients confined to hospital beds should change positions at least every two hours. Avoiding lying directly on the hip bone can also help. Instead, the patient should lie down at a 30-degree angle to reduce pressure on the hips. The patient’s head should not be raised more than 30 degrees, as this will cause the body to slip and increase the risk of frictional injuries. A decompression mattress will help here.
Check the skin every day
Skin examination is a good preventive tool and can be incorporated into any daily care routine. In addition, the skin should be kept clean and dry. If the patient has a bandage, be sure to change it every day. If skin damage, foul smell, infection or tenderness occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Pay close attention to nutritional issues
Malnutrition can cause bedsores and other diseases. Getting enough calories, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals is essential. Nursing homes should consult a dietitian to develop a diet plan for residents to attract their food preferences while also providing necessary nutrients.
Try to exercise every day
Exercise can increase blood flow throughout the body. It can also promote positive emotions and socialization. These are very important to residents of nursing homes. Nursing staff should consult a physical therapist about exercises that are beneficial to the patient.
Medical complications caused by bedsores
If not monitored and treated at an early stage, bedsores can lead to a range of other medical conditions. Some possible complications include
- cancer. Chronic bedsores can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a destructive cancer that almost always requires surgery.
-Joint/bone infection. Bone and joint infections develop after being deeply buried in pressure sores. Also known as infectious or septic arthritis, these types of infections can not only damage cartilage and tissues, but can also severely limit joint function.
-Sepsis: Sepsis occurs when bacteria enter the victim's blood through an open pressure sore. The body is not fighting bacteria, but turning to itself. Sepsis can quickly spread throughout the body, leading to life-threatening organ failure and other problems.
-Cellulitis. Cellulitis is an inflammation of connective tissue that can also infect victims of bedsores. If cellulitis occurs, the victim may develop meningitis, which affects the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
Bedsore treatment
There are several ways to treat bedsores, depending on the extent of the wound. For the first stage of bedsores, a combination of antibiotics and cleaning fluids is usually effective. The patient's body position should also be adjusted regularly. Supportive aids such as special cushions, pillows and mattresses should always be provided.
For the late stage, the victim may need surgery through mechanical, autolysis, or enzymatic hydrolysis to successfully remove the damaged tissue. After that, cleaning and bandaging the wound is extremely necessary and must be done regularly. Analgesics and antibiotics are usually prescribed.
While using painkillers and antibiotics, patients should eat a healthy diet. Nutrition and hydration will help the healing process. In addition, because some victims have muscle cramps, muscle relaxants may be prescribed.