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P A T I E N T
P O S I T I O N I N G
RISK FACTORS
Pressure Ulcer Red Flags
in the critically ill or
medically compromised.
3. Identify
risk factors
S
urgery-acquired pressure ulcers are a
challenge because of the following intraoperative risk factors:
• time on the OR table
• use of steroids
• surgical positions
• obesity or under• intensity and duration
weight
of pressure
• smoking
• patient's immobility
• low blood pressure
• skin moisture
• diabetes
• underbody warming
• vascular disorders
devices
• ASA classification of
• prolonged hypotherIII or greater
mia
• sensory deficit
• use of anesthetics that • transfer from another
impair mobility
facility
and sensation
• low hemoglobin/
• peripheral vascular
hematocrit
disease or diabetes
• nutritional deficiencies
mellitus
• low serum protein
— Susan Overman,
• hemodynamic issues
RN, BSN, CNOR
• advanced age
3 8
A number of contributing or compounding factors are
associated with
pressure ulcers and
skin injuries,
according to
NPUAP, although
the significance of
these risk factors
has yet to be fully
realized. In fact,
notes NPUAP, the
development of
pressure ulcers can
be complex and
multifactorial. Not
all risk factors can
be removed or modified, adds the panel,
and some interventions that could
lessen risks may be
medically con-
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | J U N E 2013
