Instructions for 'Prevention of bedsores'

1. Identify the patients who are particularly prone to develop bedsores.
2. Keep the patient clean by daily sponging and daily observation of bed ridden patients.
3. Wash the back with warm water to stimulate circulation.
4. Keep the patient dry always. Apply talcum powder. If the patient perspires profusely, change the linen frequently and wash the patient well.
5. Change patient’s position frequently at least once in two hours or as often as necessary and encourage patient to move in bed as far as possible.
6. Use water bed/ripple bed to remove pressure on susceptible sites.
7. Observe carefully for the presence of any reddened areas or skin abrasions and report promptly and see that the appropriate measures are taken to prevent the progress of information of the ulcer.
8. In case of severe bedsores, dressing is to be done and procedure is to be documented.
9. All bedsores (both developed in the hospital and patient admitted with bedsore) are to be reported to the treating Consultant/Nursing Superintendent.