Can bedsores be prevented?
Bedsores can be prevented with intensive nursing care. Measures to prevent bedsores include: • Correct malnutrition if present (fluid, energy, protein, vitamins and minerals) • Daily inspection of an immobile person’s skin to detect early redness • Frequent repositioning of the patient (recommendation is to turn them every 2 hours) • Keep the skin clean • Special foam, fibre and gels as padding materials used on chairs and beds to relieve the pressure on bony prominences • Powered alternating-pressure mattresses and overlays Prevention of bedsores is the best approach as established bedsores can be painful and life threatening. They also lengthen hospital stays and increase medical costs dramatically.
