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Under Pressure: Repositioning and Other Strategies For Bed Sore Prevention

Pressure sores, also known as bedsores, can occur when an individual lies down in a position for an extended period. The body’s weight on the bed can block the blood supply to certain areas and cause skin damage. Repositioning regularly on the bed is the best way to reduce the risk of developing pressure sores.

Prevention is the best medicine

Prevention is the best way to reduce the risk of pressure sores, which can take a long time to heal and can return. Caregivers should check in with bed-ridden individuals and ask if any areas of the body feel sore or tender. Visual observation of vulnerable parts of the body, especially areas of thin skin covering bony areas. A visual examination can help determine if pressure relief is needed. While many patients do not need help moving around, others cannot and require a proper nursing care plan.

Weight shifting

Regular repositioning can help reduce prolonged pressure on a single area. Experts recommend repositioning every 1 to 2 hours. However, moving during sleep may cause agitation and disrupt the individual’s natural sleep cycle. Individuals can determine optimal positions where direct pressure on injuries or sensitive areas is limited. Elevating the head up to 30 degrees can prevent shearing. Bony areas can be protected using cushions and other positioning aids like a trapeze bar.

Special mattress

Pressure-relieving mattresses can reduce the risk of pressure sores. Certain foam mattresses can provide individuals with a soft surface that equally distributes pressure over a larger surface area. However, beds that are too soft may be uncomfortable for weaker individuals. Alternating pressure mattresses can also reduce bed sores. Alternating pressure mattresses are made of multiple air-filled chambers. Air is constantly being fed into different mattress cells to provide relief to different contact points. Alternating pressure mattresses are ideal for patients who need help moving.

Diet and skincare

Diet and skincare can play an essential role in preventing pressure sores. Being in bed all day can lead to a lack of appetite or thirst. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated is essential to being in good physical condition and strengthening the skin. Skin that gets too moist or dry can increase the risk of pressure sores.

Friends and family to the rescue

Friends and family can provide the right level of assistance when a bed-ridden loved one cannot move without help. Working with a nursing professional, if needed, can provide patients with an optimal positioning plan and positioning aid recommendations to improve quality of life.

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What Does COPD Do To The Body?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lung’s airways, making breathing difficult. COPD leads to two other conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis restricts the airways and causes excess mucus buildup. Emphysema is a disease that destroys the lung’s air sacs. People with COPD often have to deal with complications from either one of these diseases.

The importance of exercise

Activity is vital for people with COPD because a lack of physical activity can affect a person’s health and overall quality of life. COPD symptoms can even become worse. To start, COPD patients should enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a program with a team of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, physical therapists, and exercise specialists. These professionals help people with COPD learn special breathing techniques and exercises, and develop treatment plans to make life with COPD easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation begins with an assessment from a therapist to determine different things about the patient, like blood oxygen levels. Programs are conducted at hospitals, outpatient clinics, or the patient’s home.

Stretching for people with COPD

People with COPD will benefit from lots of stretching. Stretching helps with breath control and body flexibility. Patients should start stretching for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Experts also believe that stretching before and after exercise is good for the body. Stretching is something that can be done anywhere at any time of day. Try some stretching exercises to prepare for more intense activities.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises are great for people with COPD because these activities increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Cardiovascular exercise also strengthens the heart muscle. Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise. Patients can do this for 15-20 minutes a day to get the blood flowing. Another great exercise is cycling. Patients can use a stationary bike or a regular bike. Swimming can also be beneficial. If an outdoor pool isn’t an option, patients can go to a local sports club and use those pool facilities. A good fitness regimen for those with COPD will incorporate aerobic exercises a few times a week.

Try some resistance training

Essentially, resistance training is weight lifting. However, people do not need to start with a heavy load. Lightweight dumbbells or exercise bands work just as well. Resistance training can be done multiple times throughout the week.

Taking the next step

Anyone interested in pulmonary rehabilitation, exercises, or more information about COPD should consult a doctor, physical therapist, or a respiratory therapist. These healthcare professionals are a wealth of knowledge and resources for leading a healthy life with COPD.

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