Pressure Ulcer Prevention - Essay Example

"Pressure Ulcer Prevention" is a decent example of a paper on dermatology.
A pressure ulcer affects and damages the skin and tissues over a skeletal prominence, because of pressure or pressure in combination with shear. Prevention of pressure ulcers starts with a comprehensive and thorough assessment and evaluation of the patient’s medication and particular laboratory values. Therefore, understanding some of the factors discussed below will help one identify potential threats before a pressure ulcer development.

In this regard, some plausible interventions for preventing pressure ulcer includes position change while one is sitting, sleeping or on a wheelchair. The second way is taking great care of the skin, and finally maintaining healthy nutrition. Change in position is reasonable since it helps minimizes pressure stress exerted on the skin and other vulnerable areas (Bergstrom, 1994). It is a valid intervention because if blood vessels are exposed to pressure over a long time, the blood ceases to flow leading to the death of cells and hence ulcers. Therefore, with a change in position, the pressure is relieved on the blood vessels thus leading to the increased flow of blood to tissues.

Secondly, monitoring and protecting the skin’s condition is reasonable. It aids in preventing pressure sores and identifying stage 1 sores in advance. It is a valid method because it is preventive in nature. This implies that unnecessary moisture, soaps and harsh chemicals that can lead to skin damage, are avoided. Finally, eating a well-balanced diet, to maintain good nutrition is both valid and reasonable for it helps in improving the health of the skin and immune system (McClan, 1994).

Change in position is easy; it only involves keeping one’s body comfortable. In addition, it does not require specialized skills to learn. On the other hand, it is an expensive method.  For handicapped patients, one has to use specialized pressure redistribution devices like mattresses, to cushion them in order to release pressure. Purchase of the same may be expensive. Skincare is advantageous for it enables one treats first-stage sores in advance hence reducing any expense that might arise in the future owing to complex medication. However, it is an expensive method if medicated soaps and lotion are used to maintain the health of the skin, on daily basis. Lastly, nutrition is advantageous for it not only aids in maintaining the health of one’s skin but also develops other parts of the body. It is disadvantageous when under a specialized diet that is high-priced hence unaffordable (Maklebust & Sieggreen, 2001).

I chose to change position simply because it is an intervention that uncommon and therefore, many people are either ignorant or unaware. Despite its great impact, it does not violate one’s spiritualism. The different postures one is recommended to take, are not defined or based on religion but on medical grounds. Psychologically, a patient develops secondary reflex actions. This results from one training his or her brain to remember changing positions after a certain period. Finally, the intervention does not violate the morals of people; it is friendly to cultures and other taboos.