PNR140 Week 1: Key Terms - Pressure Ulcer Prevention, Infection Control, and Neurological Nursing

Key vocabulary terms across the lecture notes on pressure ulcer prevention, infection control, and neurological nursing.

Braden Scale

A validated tool used on admission and regularly thereafter to assess a patient’s risk for developing pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcer

Injury to skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, often over bony prominences.

Bony prominences

Prominent bones where skin is at higher risk for breakdown (e.g., heels, sacrum, ankles, elbows).

Risk assessment

Systematic process to identify patients at risk for ulcers or other complications using validated tools.

Skin inspection

Daily examination of skin, especially over bony areas, to detect early signs of breakdown.

Pressure redistribution

Strategies to relieve and spread pressure, including frequent repositioning and load-sharing devices.

Pressure-redistributing devices

Mattresses, cushions, and supports designed to reduce tissue pressure and prevent ulcers.

Repositioning every 2 hours

Turning or adjusting position at least every two hours to relieve pressure.

Nutritional status

Assessment of protein, calories, and fluid intake; adequate nutrition supports healing and prevention.

Nutrition and hydration

Ensuring adequate intake to support tissue integrity and overall health.

Moisture management

Prompt care for incontinence and use of barriers to protect skin from moisture damage.

Moisture barrier

Barrier creams or films used to protect skin from moisture-related skin breakdown.

Friction and shear

Force that can injure skin; minimized by proper lifting, techniques, and equipment.

Elevate head of bed ≤ 30 degrees

Positioning guideline to reduce shear and pressure on the sacrum and heels.

Transfer aids

Equipment (slings, sheets, slide boards) used to decrease friction during movement.

Education

Teaching patients and families about prevention and self-care practices.

Self-care techniques

Patient practices that promote skin health and ulcer prevention, especially for mobile patients.

Documentation

Recording assessments, interventions, outcomes, and measurements using standardized tools.

Interdisciplinary approach

Collaboration with wound care specialists, dietitians, physical therapists, and others.

Continuous monitoring

Regular reassessment of risk and adaptation of the care plan to guidelines and new evidence.

Mrs. Johnson case study

Illustrative patient: 78-year-old post-hip replacement with limited mobility at high risk for ulcers.

Hip replacement

Surgical procedure; postoperative mobility limitations can increase ulcer risk.

Diabetes

Chronic condition that can impair healing and increase infection risk.

Overweight/obesity

Body weight status that can affect mobility and pressure distribution.

Hand hygiene

Proper technique for washing hands or using alcohol-based sanitizer to prevent infections.

PPE (personal protective equipment)

Gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection worn to prevent pathogen transmission.

Donning and doffing

Putting on and removing PPE in the correct sequence to prevent contamination.

Standard Precautions

Foundational infection control measures applied to all patients (hand hygiene, PPE, safe injections).

Transmission-Based Precautions

Additional precautions for specific pathogens: contact, droplet, and airborne.

Contact precautions

Gown and gloves required when caring for diseases spread by direct/indirect contact.

Droplet precautions

Mask required within 3–6 feet of the patient for diseases spread by droplets.

Airborne precautions

N95 respirator or PAPR and a negative-pressure room for airborne pathogens.

N95 respirator

A tight-fitting mask that filters airborne particles to protect the wearer.

PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator)

A portable respirator that provides clean air through a powered filtration system.

Bacterial infections

Infections caused by bacteria; typically treated with antibiotics (e.g., strep throat, pneumonia).

Viral infections

Infections caused by viruses; often treated with antivirals (e.g., HIV, influenza).

Fungal infections

Infections caused by fungi; treated with antifungals (e.g., candidiasis, athlete’s foot).

Parasitic infections

Infections caused by parasites; treated with antiparasitics (e.g., malaria, giardiasis).

Basilar skull fracture

Fracture at the base of the skull; signs include Battle’s sign and CSF leakage.

Battle’s sign

Ecchymosis behind the ear, a physical sign suggesting basilar skull fracture.

CSF rhinorrhea

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage from the nose, a potential basilar skull fracture sign.

Halo sign

A ring-like appearance around nasal drainage indicating CSF leakage.

Epistaxis

Nosebleed; can accompany basilar skull fracture.

PERRLA

Pupils are Equal, Round, and Reactive to Light (and sometimes accommodation).

Neuroassessment in TBI

Assessment for traumatic brain injury includes pupil checks, Battle’s sign, rhinorrhea, and level of consciousness.

Analgesic selection for TBI headache

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often preferred for mild-moderate headache in TBI; minimizes opioid-related risks.