Education of at-risk patients and their families is the most productive way to prevent
pressure ulcers. Steps toward prevention include:
- Identify individuals at high risk for pressure ulcers.
- Ensure that immobile patients change their position at least every two hours to
relieve pressure.
- Use items that can help reduce pressure caused by bedsheets and wheelchairs
(e.g., use pillows, sheepskin, foam padding, and powder to relieve pressure).
- Make sure patients eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Encourage daily exercise, including range-of-motion exercises for immobile
patients.
- Follow good skin care, including inspecting the skin every day and keeping skin
clean and dry. Incontinent people need to take extra steps to limit areas of moisture.