7 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A Y 2 0 1 8
Y
ou know that surgery makes patients more vulnerable to
pressure ulcers, but you might not realize just how big
the problem is. It's estimated that up to 45% of the 1.6
billion healthcare associated pressure ulcers that
patients develop each year originate in the OR. And 23%
are acquired intraoperatively during surgeries that last more than 3
hours. What makes the OR a likely place for skin breakdown and
pressure ulcer formation? Prolonged pressure, friction and shearing
— the perfect storm for decubitus ulcers (from Latin decumbere, "to
lie down").
Preventing Pressure Ulcers
7 practical pearls to protect your patients' skin.
JoEllen McBride, PhD | Associate Editor
• HANDS ON The dynamics of the operating room — prolonged pressure on bony prominences, friction and shearing — are
conducive to skin breakdown and pressure ulcer formation.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
