Final answer:
To decrease the risk of pressure injuries, nurses utilize interventions such as regular repositioning, applying moisturizers, using pressure-relieving supports, and keeping the skin dry to eliminate pressure points and maintain skin integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing interventions that decrease the risk of pressure injuries include:
- Regularly repositioning the patient to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas.
- Applying moisturizing lotion to maintain skin integrity and prevent dryness.
- Utilizing pressure-relieving support surfaces like special mattresses or cushions.
- Ensuring the skin is kept dry and free of friction to reduce the risk of skin breakdown.
Pressure injuries, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, are areas of damaged skin and tissue that can develop when constant pressure cuts off circulation to vulnerable parts of the body. These are often bony areas such as heels, elbows, and the sacrum. Regular repositioning is key to eliminating pressure points that can lead to tissue necrosis. Moisturizers can help treat dry skin, which may be a controllable factor for pressure injury development. Pressure injuries are preventable with proper care and management of risk factors.