Inspect the skin head-to-toe in adequate light at least once a day

Teach patients and family members to inspect susceptible parts visually and by touch

Relieve pressure on sensitive areas by turning at least every 2 hours. Some patients may need to be turned more frequently

Small shifts in body weight

Use a written turn schedule (Turn Schedule)

Encourage chair-fast patient to shift position every 10-15 minutes

Use positioning devices to keep bony prominences from direct contact with each other

Keep heels off the bed with a positioning device

Avoid 90 degree lateral lying position

Utilize 30 degree oblique side lying position

Maintain patient in proper alignment both in bed and chair

Avoid positioning patient on pressure ulcer

Apply protective padding at bony prominences

Use pressure reducing mattress

• foam, static air, alternating air, gel or water mattresses

Use pressure relieving cushions for chair- or wheelchair-bound patients

Avoid the use of donut type devices

Pad cast edges

Pad oxygen tubing around the ears

Protect for tubes and equipment

Pad casts and cast edges

Encourage activity

Passive and active exercises/ROM

Avoid over sedation and inactivity

Avoid restraints

Treat urinary and fecal incontinence

Keep the skin clean and dry

Skin should be cleansed at the time of soiling

Use a moisture barrier over skin frequently exposed to urine, feces, perspiration or wound drainage

Change damp bed clothes frequently

Use absorbent underpads and briefs

Avoid plastic and paper "linen savers"

Change wound dressing when needed

Pouch heavily draining wounds

Apply moisturizers to dry skin

Individualize bathing frequency

Use a mild cleansing agent that minimized irritation and dryness of the skin

Avoid dry and cold air

Maintain adequate patient hydration

Avoid elevating the head of the bed more than 30 degrees unless medically inappropriate

Utilize a trapeze, bed linen and other positioning devices to avoid sliding and dragging patients across bed and chair surfaces while repositioning

Protect heels and elbows 

Use soft, clean and wrinkle-free sheets

Apply protective film dressings

Pat dry, do not rub with towel

A well-balanced diet with sufficient protein and calorie content

Vitamin supplements containing vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc

Improve suboptimal food intake

Assist with meals

Provide an environment conducive to eating

Improve fluid intake

Health care professionals

Caregivers

Patients