Pressure injuries are painful and debilitating wounds that have an associated cost of $9.1 to $11.6 billion per year in the United States. Some research suggests that up to 95% of pressure injuries are preventable, with proper risk stratification and meticulous skin care.

Patients should receive a pressure injury risk assessment, including a medical history interview and a head-to-toe skin examination, within eight hours of admission. This assessment should be updated with any change in a patient’s health status. Measures to prevent pressure injuries in at-risk patients include positioning regimens and the use of padding and appropriate support surfaces.

This fact sheet provides the essentials of pressure injury prevention, from initial assessment to skin protective measures. Health care professionals, especially those who care for patients at risk for pressure injuries, will appreciate this concise summary of current best practices. The following topics are included:

Download Quick Facts – Pressure Injury Prevention to share with colleagues in your facility. The print-friendly format lends itself to posting on the bulletin board or handing out to your nursing staff at in-service.