Pressure Injury Safety for Respiratory Therapy

Pressure Injury Safety for Respiratory Therapy

VTHH

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Introduction

To ensure pressure injury safety in the context of respiratory care, especially for patients using ventilators, oxygen masks, or other respiratory support devices

Objectives

• Protect High-Risk Areas
• Regular Skin Assessments
• Repositioning and Offloading
• Secure Devices Properly
• Moisture Management
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Protect High-Risk Areas • Nasal bridge, cheeks, ears, and chin are vulnerable when using CPAP, BiPAP, or oxygen masks. • Use foam dressings or silicone pads under masks or tubing to reduce friction and pressure.

Regular Skin Assessments

• Inspect skin at least once per shift, especially under respiratory devices. • Document any redness, blanching, or breakdown early to prevent progression.

Repositioning and Offloading

• Reposition patients every 2 hours, even if they’re on ventilators.

• Use pressure-relieving mattresses and head supports to reduce shear and pressure.

Secure Devices Properly

• Avoid overtightening straps or tubing.
• Use rotating sites for nasal cannulas or endotracheal tubes to prevent localized injury.

Moisture Management

• Keep skin clean and dry, especially around the mouth and nose. • Apply barrier creams to protect against moisture-associated skin damage.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Nurses, respiratory therapists, and wound care specialists should work together to balance respiratory needs with skin protection.

• If a patient is prone or sedated, pressure injuries can develop rapidly. Use mirror checks or camera-assisted assessments to inspect hard-to-see areas.

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