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and maintain nor-
mothermia, we did-
n't need to put heat
underneath the
patients to keep the
mattresses warm.
Instead, to keep
patients warm, we
switched to forced-
air warming blan-
kets.
We use the forced-air warming gowns in pre- and post-op. In the OR,
we use warming blankets that target either the upper or lower body.
Plus, as an added bonus, we've found that patients are much happier
with the new blankets.
3
Pay attention to patient positioning
Because patient positioning is so critical to preventing pressure
injuries, we now require every new perioperative nurse to
attend a hands-on class on positioning. These classes focus on the
small details that could lead to the big injuries, such as IV caps that
could be accidently positioned under a patient's arm, EKG leads under-
neath pressure points and proper positioning tools. We also stress that
for patients wearing sequential compression boots, the little hoses that
attach to the machine can find their way underneath a patient's heel or
ankle.
Additionally, some of our surgeons were using blankets as position-
ing tools. We purchased positioning tools made from the same materi-
al as our new mattresses. They were covered in a soft, silky, non-
sticky surface.
P R E S S U R E U L C E R S
HEEL ATTENTION One of the ways to protect
patients from pressure ulcers is to reduce
pressure on bony points of the body, like heels.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
