CNAs have an important role in pressure ulcer prevention. The LVNs and RNs do the wound care but this is already after the fact. What is important is preventing the patient from developing a pressure ulcer. The truth is in long-term settings, it is usually the CNAs who discover any skin breakdown because they are the ones giving baths and basic skin care. This course will review how to identify patients who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers. It will also review basic nursing interventions meant to prevent or make pressure ulcers worse.
Learning Objectives Preventing Pressure Ulcers
- Recognize the cost of pressure ulcer treatments.
- Explain how to assess and identify the patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcers.
- Recognize the importance of skin care to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Recognize the importance of nutrition in the prevention of pressure ulcers. Recognize the importance of frequent turning and repositioning to relieve load on pressure points.
- Recognize the use of special mattresses, pillows, and positioning aids when taking care of bed-bound patients.