Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of mattress contains alternating pressure to enhance circulation?
Which type of mattress contains alternating pressure to enhance circulation?
Air-fluidized beds can be elevated at the head of the bed.
Air-fluidized beds can be elevated at the head of the bed.
False
What is the primary function of heel protectors?
What is the primary function of heel protectors?
To raise or float the heels off the surface and limit pressure.
Gel flotation pads are filled with a gelatinous substance similar to __________.
Gel flotation pads are filled with a gelatinous substance similar to __________.
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Match the following types of support surfaces with their characteristics:
Match the following types of support surfaces with their characteristics:
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Which tissue type is generally the least resistant to pressure?
Which tissue type is generally the least resistant to pressure?
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Pressure is distributed equally from a bony prominence to the overlying skin.
Pressure is distributed equally from a bony prominence to the overlying skin.
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What occurs to muscle tissue when it is subjected to significant pressure?
What occurs to muscle tissue when it is subjected to significant pressure?
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A small area of skin breakdown may not represent what lies __________.
A small area of skin breakdown may not represent what lies __________.
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Match the following descriptions with pressure injury characteristics:
Match the following descriptions with pressure injury characteristics:
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Study Notes
Gel Flotation Pads
- Made of polyvinyl, silicone, or Silastic
- Filled with a gelatinous substance similar to fat
Pillows and Wedges
- Available in foam, gel, air, and fluid options
- Support positioning and reduce bone-on-bone contact
Heel Protectors
- Examples include sheepskin boots, padded splints, off-loading inflatable boots, and foam blocks
- Elevate heels off the surface, preventing shearing and pressure on the heel area
Memory Foam Mattresses and Chair Pads
- Distribute weight evenly over bony areas
- Mold to the body
Alternating-Pressure Mattresses
- Consists of multiple cells that alternate pressure levels using a pump
Waterbeds
- Water-filled support surface with adjustable temperature
Static Low-Air-Loss (LAL) Beds
- Multiple air-filled cushions divided into sections
- Each section can be inflated to different firmness levels, reducing pressure on bony prominences and increasing support in other areas
Active LAL Beds (Second Generation)
- Similar to static LAL beds
- Include gentle pulsating or side-to-side rotation to stimulate blood flow and facilitate secretion movement
Air-Fluidized (AF) Beds (Static High-Air-Loss)
- Millions of silicone-coated beads with circulating temperature-controlled air, creating fluid-like movement
- Provide uniform body contour support and reduce skin maceration due to drying effect
- Unable to elevate the head of the bed
- Some beds combine AF therapy and LAL therapy with an articulating frame for head elevation, suitable for patients requiring head elevation
Pressure Injuries
- Pressure injuries are characterized by their varying severity, dependent on the resistance of soft tissue, muscle, and skin.
- Muscle exhibits the lowest resistance to pressure and can undergo necrosis before the skin breaks down.
- Pressure distribution from bony prominences is uneven, concentrating at its origin and diminishing progressively towards the edges.
- A minor skin breakdown might not accurately reflect the underlying tissue damage.
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Description
This quiz explores various types of patient support surfaces used in healthcare settings, including gel flotation pads, memory foam mattresses, and static low-air-loss beds. Test your knowledge on their characteristics, materials, and benefits for patient comfort and pressure relief.
