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Overview :
Urine and/or fecal incontinence in an adult is a risk factor
for pressure ulceration. Certain findings can help identify a patient who may
benefit from more aggressive management.
Factors influencing the skin changes in the incontinent
adult:
(1) amount
of urine leakage
(2) amount
of fecal leakage
(3)
prolonged skin exposure to urine and/or feces
(4)
mobility
(5)
disability for activities of daily living
Risk factors for skin ulceration:
(1)
development of blanchable erythema, especially if extensive
(2)
impaired mobility, especially in patients spending a large amount of time in
bed
(3)
prolonged exposure to significant moisture
(4) frequent incontinence
where:
•
Nonblanchable erythema is the first stage for pressure ulceration.
•
Blanchable erythema blanches under finger pressure but promptly returns to a
reddish hue when the prssure is released.
• An adult
diaper can reduce the amount of moisture that the skin is exposed to if it is
changed when soiled.
• The type
of incontinence will affect which portions of the skin are affected.
The presence of blanchable erythema identified a patient who should be
targeted for prevention, especially when other risk factors are present.
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