Item Brochure

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Invacare
®
Therapeutic Support Surfaces
Invacar e
®
Therapeutic Support Sur f aces
Invacare
®
Therapeutic Support Surfaces
P
re Stage I
Suspected Deep Tissue Injury – Localized area of
discolored (purple or maroon) intact skin or blood-
filled blister due to damage of underlying soft tissue
from pressure and/or shear. The tissue may be
painful, firm, mushy, warmer or cooler compared to
adjacent tissue.
Stage
Non-blanchable
erythema of intact skin.
(Skin that does not turn
white when depressed)
Stage
Partial thickness skin
loss involving epider-
mis, dermis or both.
Stage
Full thickness skin loss
involving damage or
necrosis of subcuta-
neous tissue that may
extend down to, but
not through, underlying
fascia.
Stage
Full thickness skin loss
with extensive destruc-
tion, tissue necrosis, or
damage to muscle,
bone, or supporting
structures.
When is a patient at risk?
Patient risk is assessed on a number of factors standardized in
assessments such as the Norton or Braden scales. It is recommended
that patients be assessed as soon as possible upon entering into care.
This information is not medical advice. Each individual should
always consult with his/her physician to determine proper product selection.
What are the risk factors?
1. Patient is immobile or inactive
The lack of movement results in loss of blood flow to the skin.
2. Body size and shape
Very thin or very obese patients are at a higher risk. Very thin
people lack cushioning between the skin and bony prominences
such as heels and elbows. The overweight have fewer blood vessels
to the skin and require body movement to get the blood flow to the
susceptible areas.
3. Skin condition and hygiene regimens
Thinning skin, which naturally occurs with age as well as some medications,
may make the patient more susceptible.
4. Nutrition
A balanced diet and proper calorie consumption is important in maintaining
skin thickness and elasticity.
5. Incontinence and Infection
Urine and fecal matter or increases in body temperature and subsequent
perspiration can cause maceration (the skin to soften). The skin is therefore
more susceptible to tearing.
6. Circulation
Edema or swelling due to poor blood circulation makes the
susceptible areas less resistant to pressure.
How do pressure ulcers form?
Any individual or combination of the above factors combined with environmental skin
factors below can result in a pressure ulcer. If the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is
rubbed away the more vulnerable dermis layer is exposed to bacteria and infection.
1. Pressure
When the capillary blood pressure is cut off from the skin by pressure on the
area for an extended time.
2. Moisture
Over-hydrated (macerated) skin is at higher risk of tearing or breaking down
from moving or friction.
3. Shear
Capillaries stretch and tear reducing the blood flow when the skin remains
stationary against the bed linens as the skletal structure moves with the surface.
4. Friction
When the skin is pulled across a coarse surface and the outer protective layer
(epidermis) is rubbed away.
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