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4

Pressure Sore Prevention and Skin Care

Pressure sores are one of the most common and dangerous complications for elderly people with limited mobility. This module teaches you how to prevent them through regular repositioning and skin monitoring.

4-5 hours CORE - Safety-Critical Safety-Critical Not Started

Learning Objectives

1
Explain what causes pressure sores (sustained pressure reducing blood flow)
2
Identify the 6 highest-risk body areas
3
Demonstrate the 30-degree tilt repositioning technique
4
Create a 2-hour repositioning schedule
5
Perform a basic skin check identifying Stage 1 pressure injury signs
6
Demonstrate proper pillow placement for different positions
7
List at least 3 risk factors that increase pressure sore risk
8
Explain when a skin change requires medical attention

Educational content only. This training material is for informational purposes. Always follow your employer's specific protocols and consult qualified medical professionals for clinical guidance.

Module 4 Learning Material

Understanding Pressure Sores

A pressure sore (also called a pressure ulcer or bedsore) occurs when skin and tissue are damaged by sustained pressure. When a person lies or sits in one position for too long, the blood supply to that area is cut off. Without blood, the tissue begins to die.

A pressure sore can develop in as little as 2 hours of unrelieved pressure. For someone who cannot move themselves, this makes repositioning one of the most important tasks a caregiver performs.

High-Risk Areas

Pressure sores develop over bony areas where there is less padding between skin and bone:

  • Sacrum/tailbone - the most common site
  • Heels - especially vulnerable during bed rest
  • Hips - when lying on the side
  • Elbows
  • Shoulder blades
  • Back of the head

The 2-Hour Repositioning Schedule

A bed-bound person should be repositioned at least every 2 hours. A simple schedule:

  • 6:00 AM - lying on back
  • 8:00 AM - lying on left side (30-degree tilt)
  • 10:00 AM - lying on back
  • 12:00 PM - lying on right side (30-degree tilt)
  • Continue alternating throughout the day

The 30-Degree Tilt

The 30-degree tilt is the recommended side-lying position because it avoids direct pressure on the hip bone:

  1. Help the person onto their side at approximately 30 degrees
  2. Place a pillow behind their back to maintain the angle
  3. Place a pillow between their knees to prevent bone-on-bone pressure
  4. Place a pillow under the lower leg to lift the heel off the mattress

Recognising Skin Damage

During every bath and repositioning, check the skin over bony areas:

  • Stage 1: The skin is intact but shows non-blanching redness (pressing the red area does not turn it white then pink). This is an early warning - report it and increase repositioning frequency.
  • Any open wound, blister, or broken skin over a pressure point requires immediate medical attention.

Risk Factors

Some people are at higher risk:

  • Immobility (cannot move themselves)
  • Incontinence (moisture damages skin)
  • Poor nutrition (weakened skin and tissue)
  • Thin, fragile skin (common in old age)
  • Previous pressure sores
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