Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This Unit deals with the fundamental issues surrounding pressure ulcer prediction, prevention and management. An introduction into the impact that pressure ulcers have on the community will provide the basis for exploring the epidemiology, aetiology, causes and risk factors associated with the development of pressure ulcers. Skin assessment and pressure ulcer risk assessment tools will be investigated for their role in predicting and preventing pressure ulcer development. Management issues for pressure ulcers such as the selection and use of pressure redistributing devices will be explored, along with quality of life, legal and ethical issues.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit the student will be able to:

• Discuss the impact of pressure ulcer development on the community
• Discuss the aetiology, causes and factors which may lead to the development of pressure ulcers
• Describe the following: reactive hyperaemia, blanching erythema and non-blanching erythema
• Differentiate between the terms capillary pressure, capillary closing pressure and tissue interface pressure
• Distinguish between skin assessment and pressure ulcer risk assessment and discuss the importance of both
• Compare and contrast the Braden, Waterlow and Norton Scales for pressure ulcer risk assessment
• Discuss principles of pressure ulcer prevention
• Discuss principles of pressure ulcer management, including the use of pressure redistributing devices
• Identify quality of life issues for the person with the pressure ulcer
• Identify legal and ethical issue relating to pressure ulcers

Assessment

+ Two minor assignments(30%)
+ One major assignment/Case Study Report (60%)
+ Participation in online tutorials(10%)

Chief examiner(s)

Adriana Tiziani

Prerequisites

VCW1101, VCW1102, VCW1103