Aim: To develop a basic understanding of pressure ulcers, identify early warning signs and potential contributory risk factors and to know how to implement preventative and management strategies.
People who have sustained an Acquired Brain Injury may be susceptible to the development of pressure ulcers. These are areas of tissue damage (breakdown) which may occur in those who cannot independently reposition themselves or recognise when they need a change of position. This tissue breakdown can arise due to an inability to:
- Recognise and/or communicate discomfort or pain.
- Physically move and change position.
- Communicate the need for positional change and seek assistance to move.
- Obtain sufficient nutrition and hydration.
Best Practice is Prevention:
Following Acquired Brain Injury, the person’s skin should be assessed to identify signs of potential pressure areas in order to prevent the development of a pressure ulcer (e.g. blister or open wound).
Development of Pressure Ulcers: Causes and Signs
Important Contributory Risk Factors
Intervention for Pressure Ulcers and How to help the Person at Risk
- Prevention and management of pressure ulcers: Best Practice Statement March 2009, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland
- Health Improvement Scotland: Tissue Viability
- SIGN 130 Brain Injury Rehabilitation in Adults, March 2013
- SIGN` 118 Management of patients with stroke: Rehabilitation, prevention and management of complications, and discharge planning, June 2010