Adult pressure area care: preventing pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are caused by tissue damage when the blood supply to an area of skin is diminished as a result of pressure. Although most pressure ulcers are preventable, all patients are at risk. Nurses have a central role in prevention and management of pressure areas. They should be able to assess patients' risk of developing PUs using evidence-based practice, recognised risk assessment tools and by completing a holistic assessment. Nurses must be able to identify the risk factors associated with developing PUs and implement appropriate measures to deliver harm-free care. Repositioning techniques, monitoring and ongoing care strategies are essential for pressure ulcer prevention in practice.