Final answer:
Bedsore management includes repositioning patients every 90 minutes, avoiding elevation of the head of the bed, and not rubbing or massaging the affected areas. Ointments help maintain moisture to encourage ulcer healing, and increased redness or swelling can indicate infection, necessitating close monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bedsore prevention and management are essential in healthcare, particularly for patients who are immobile and at high risk of developing pressure ulcers. Repositioning patients every 90 minutes is a common practice in hospitals and long-term care facilities to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas, though it may not completely relieve discomfort. This repositioning is important, as constant pressure on bony parts of the body can lead to bedsores, also known as decubitus ulcers, which are characterized by tissue necrosis due to interrupted blood flow.
Ointments can play a crucial role in the healing process by maintaining moisture in open ulcers and minimizing patient discomfort. They cover the affected areas to encourage healing and prevent friction with bed sheets. Conversely, elevation of the head of the bed is generally avoided to minimize further pressure on the sacrum and coccyx. In addition, rubbing or massaging pressure ulcers should be avoided as it may cause further tissue damage rather than promoting healing.
Understanding the correct interventions for bedsore prevention is critical. For instance, topical moisturizers can be used to treat the ulcers, and pressure points should be eliminated to prevent bedsores. However, contrary to some beliefs, these ulcers are not caused by dry skin, and deep massages can actually result in harm.
Lastly, it is essential to monitor for increased redness, swelling, and pain after a cut or abrasion as these may indicate infection, which can complicate the healing process, especially for individuals with compromised skin integrity such as those with bedsores