PRESSURE-RELIEVING STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING AND TREATING PRESSURE SORES

Pressure-relieving strategies remain the foundation for the prevention and treatment of pressure sores. Although the published literature is inadequate, rational treatment decisions can be made if they are base d on an understanding of the mechanisms by which pressure relief resul ts with a particular device or strategy. This article reviews the theo retic and practical approaches to managing tissue loads so that ration al choices of the most cost-effective strategies for preventing and tr eating pressure sores can be made when caring for patients.