Skin Care; Face; Axilla - Arjohuntleigh RotoProne User Manual

skin Care

Consider these steps to help manage potential skin complications that can be associated with Prone Therapy:
Fitting the head support, face pack or other packs too tightly may increase pressure
points, possibly leading to skin breakdown. Assess skin at frequent intervals depending
on patient condition (at least every four hours). Give extra attention to skin at pressure
points and locations where moisture or incontinence may occur or collect. Common
pressure points include, but are not limited to, the face, ears, axilla, shoulders, sides and
upper and lower extremities. Early intervention may be critical to preventing serious skin
breakdown.
• Remove excess moisture and keep skin dry and clean at all times.
• Check patient skin regularly, particularly in areas where pressure, incontinence and drainage occur.
• Place prophylactic shear / pressure pads (hydrophilic polyurethane foam pads) on sacrum, elbows, cheeks,
knees and anterior shoulders.
• Apply absorbent white foam to pressure points on the face, forehead, cheeks and under tubing holder.
• Apply hydrocolloid dressing or hydrophilic foam dressing on the forehead and chin.
• Lubricate and cover eyes to prevent corneal abrasion.
• Apply moisture barrier ointment to patient's skin before securing proning packs on patient.
• Place hydrocolloid dressing at points where head support meets top of shoulders, axille and / or other
pressure points.
• Move ECg electrodes to the patient's back.
• Avoid using foot splints during Prone Therapy.

Face

Facial edema may be common during Prone Therapy. Consider these guidelines to help protect against
swelling, particularly noting the cheeks and forehead:
• Remove face pack at all times patient is in supine position.
• Remove face pack at regular intervals to assess the eyes and surrounding skin.
• Make sure that face pack does not touch the eyes and only lightly touches the face.
• Assess face for skin breakdown and assess tongue for gross edema.
• Place cool packs on face.
• Place wet cloths or four by four gauze over protruding or swollen tongues.
• Place patient in reverse Trendelenburg position to help minimize facial swelling / edema.
• Change face pack foam every 72 hours or as needed.

Axilla

• Maintain a one-inch clearance (approximately the width of two fingers)
between the end of the side support pack and the patient's axilla, as
shown at right.
Never place side support pack snugly against patient's axilla.
Undue pressure on the axilla may result in nerve damage.
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