How to Prevent Pressure Ulcers in People with Spinal Cord Injury

People with spinal cord injury and other conditions that limit movement are at great risk for pressure ulcer development. Many risk factors predispose people with spinal cord injury to the development of these wounds; factors include impaired sensation, mobility, spasms and respiratory issues. At Shepherd Center, nurse Cathy Koerner and her colleagues have implemented a comprehensive program to prevent these ulcers among patients while they are in the hospital and after they discharge. Today, Cathy will share some pressure ulcer prevention strategies, which include scheduled turning and repositioning in beds and wheelchairs; management of bowel and bladder issues; proper support surfaces; and regular checks of the skin.