Critical Analysis on the Prevention of Tissue Breakdown on Grade 2 Essay

Critical Analysis on the Prevention of Tissue Breakdown on Grade 2 Pressure Ulcer at Sacral Area of Patient with Public Rami - Essay Example As a senior nurse, this incident was significant because it provided efficient cues on the management of pressure ulcers, including preventing infection, preventing its progression to higher pressure ulcer grades, as well as promoting efficient and speedy patient recovery. The main clinical issues which arose from the incident included the following: prevention of tissue breakdown of pressure ulcer, promoting mobility, and preventing infection. This study sought to establish how the author could make a difference or improve the care for the patient as a senior nurse in her department. Main Body The management for this patient included several nursing interventions. These interventions included the following: regular assessment of pressure ulcer and of other pressure points in the body, promoting early mobility at least every two hours, keeping the patient’s sacrum and back clean and dry at all times, regular cleaning of pressure ulcer, placing pressure-reducing overlays on mat tresses, chairs, and other surfaces used by patient (Bluestein and Javaheri, 2008). These interventions help promote wound healing as well as help prevent the progression of the pressure ulcer to higher grades (Bluestein and Javaheri, 2008). Pressure ulcers are one of the most difficult wounds to manage and heal. Once they manifest, they are often not responsive to antibiotic therapy (Paquay, et.al., 2010). Moreover, complete healing is not always possible. For those under long-term care, the degree of healing often depends on the primary stages of the pressure ulcer (Paquay, et.al., 2010). Where the initial stages are managed well, the healing rate is high, however, as the grade level of the pressure ulcer progresses, the rate of healing is also reduced (Paquay, et.al., 2010). Prevention and early management of pressure ulcers is therefore an important consideration in the management of chronic care patients. Patient Assessment The assessment process in pressure ulcers is one of th e initial and important elements in the management of pressure ulcers. There are various assessment scales which have been recommended for use by experts. In the UK, the European Pressure Ulcer (EUPAP) Grading System has been recommended for use (NHS, 2012). Based on patient assessment, the patient manifests with a Grade 2 pressure ulcer with some of the outer surface of the skin damaged. The ulcer manifests as an open wound or blister (NHS, 2012). The goal for this patient now is to promote the healing of such ulceration, to prevent its progression (higher grade levels), as well as its infection. Assessment of a pressure ulcer also involved the complete medical assessment of the patient, including the onset as well as the duration of the pressure ulcer, including his history of pressure ulcers (Bluestein and Javaheri, 2008). This was the patient’s first time to have a pressure ulcer and the pressure ulcer started to manifest about two weeks following his injury. His wound ca re mostly involved standard dressings which were changed daily. He had difficulty changing positions on the bed and mostly stayed in one position all day. He was of regular body build, with a BMI within the normal levels. He was alert and socially responsive, especially with his family and with the hospital staff. He had limited assistance when discharged as it was only him and his wife in their house. They needed support services at home. There was one grade 2 pressure ul