Pressure Injuries & DVT

How to Spot and Prevent Them

When you lie in bed for a long time, you risk getting a pressure injury (sometimes called a bedsore or pressure ulcer) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These can lead to serious medical problems. Help prevent them with these steps.

With a pressure injury, tissue gets damaged by lying on one area for too long. To lower your

risk of pressure injuries:

• Change position every two hours. Have your nurse help you switch between lying on your sides and back.
• Keep skin dry and clean. If you become wet or soiled, have your nurse clean your skin as soon as possible.
• Use pillows and foam. Prop up parts of your body and pad bony areas.
• Check your medical devices. Let your nurse know if casts, restraints, ID bands, or other devices are uncomfortable.
• Maintain a healthy diet. Ask about the nutrition and hydration you need while you’re in the hospital.

DVT happens when blood clots in a vein deep beneath your skin, usually in your leg or pelvis.

The clot could break loose and move to your lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening

condition called pulmonary embolism. To help prevent DVT:

• Have your nurse help you change position every two hours.
• Get up and walk if you can, or move your feet in circles to exercise your legs.
• Your doctor may prescribe compression stockings or a blood thinner medication.