SCCM Resource Library-COVID-19 Pressure Injuries

Pdf Summary

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers, are localized damage to the skin or soft tissue caused by intense or prolonged pressure, friction, and/or shear. They commonly occur over bony prominences. Proper prevention and management of pressure injuries are essential to avoid worsening of existing injuries and their associated consequences, such as increased risk of infection, increased hospital stay, and premature mortality.<br /><br />To prevent pressure injuries, it is important to protect the skin, which is the largest organ of the body. This can be achieved by selecting and utilizing support devices that redistribute pressure, reduce shear forces, and manage humidity and hygiene on the skin and soft tissues. Patients should not be positioned on areas of pressure injury, and frequent assessments of the skin beneath and around medical devices should be conducted.<br /><br />In terms of treatment, early identification and management of pressure injuries are crucial. This can be facilitated by utilizing risk assessment tools and conducting frequent skin assessments. Local wound care and the use of appropriate wound dressings are recommended. Surgical debridement may be necessary in some cases. Underlying conditions that can worsen risk factors, particularly those affecting tissue perfusion and oxygenation, should be treated. Nutritional status should be assessed, and early supplemental nutrition may be initiated if necessary.<br /><br />All members of the interdisciplinary team should be involved in monitoring, reporting, and implementing an appropriate plan of care for patients with pressure injuries. It is important to note that areas of tissue damage that are unlikely to be related to pressure, shear, friction, or compression from a medical device should be considered for alternative diagnoses.<br /><br />Overall, preventing and effectively managing pressure injuries are critical in promoting patient outcomes and minimizing complications associated with these injuries.

Asset Subtitle

Crisis Management, Integument, 2021

Asset Caption

This resource is an infographic detailing pressure injuries. This is SCCM curated COVID-19 microlearning content.

Meta Tag

Content Type Infographic

Knowledge Area Crisis Management

Knowledge Area Integument

Membership Level Nonmember

Membership Level Associate

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Tag COVID-19

Tag Decubitus

Year 2021

Keywords

pressure injuries

pressure ulcers

skin damage

soft tissue damage

bony prominences

prevention

management

risk assessment

wound care

interdisciplinary team

	Society of Critical Care Medicine 500 Midway Drive Mount Prospect, IL 60056 USA Phone: +1 847 827-6888 Fax: +1 847 439-7226 Email: support@sccm.org	Contact Us About SCCM Newsroom Advertising & Sponsorship DONATE	MySCCM LearnICU Patients & Families Surviving Sepsis Campaign Critical Care Societies Collaborative	GET OUR NEWSLETTER
© Society of Critical Care Medicine. All rights reserved. \| Privacy Statement \| Terms & Conditions The Society of Critical Care Medicine, SCCM, and Critical Care Congress are registered trademarks of the Society of Critical Care Medicine.