What is the Waterlow risk assessment tool?

What is the Waterlow risk assessment tool?

The Waterlow Score is a medical assessment tool used to assess the risk of a bed-bound patient developing pressure sores (bedsores). The tool is widely used in accident and emergency departments, hospital wards, and residential nursing homes across the UK.

What strategies should be included in pressure ulcer prevention?

Treat your skin gently to help prevent pressure ulcers.

  • When washing, use a soft sponge or cloth.
  • Use moisturizing cream and skin protectants on your skin every day.
  • Clean and dry areas underneath your breasts and in your groin.
  • DO NOT use talc powder or strong soaps.
  • Try not to take a bath or shower every day.

What can nurses do to prevent pressure ulcers?

Nurses should:

  • Ensure patients’ comfort and dignity are always maintained.
  • Ensure that pressure is relieved or redistributed.
  • Avoid subjecting the skin to pressure and shear forces.
  • Use transfer aids to reduce friction and shear.
  • Avoid positioning patients directly onto a medical device.

How often should a Waterlow assessment be completed?

Waterlow reassessment will be repeated weekly or at each visit if seen 3 monthly/6 monthly/ annually or if they have deterioration in their condition or on hospital discharge. Risk assessment should support not replace clinical judgement.

How can pressure injuries be prevented?

Ways to prevent pressure injuries include:

  1. Checking the skin at least daily for redness or signs of discolouration.
  2. Keeping the skin at the right moisture level, as damage is more likely to occur if skin is either too dry or too moist.
  3. Using moisturising products to keep skin supple and prevent dryness.

What is the most important factor in preventing and treating pressure ulcers?

One of the most important preventive measures is decreasing mechanical load. If patients cannot adequately turn or reposition themselves, this may lead to pressure ulcer development. It is critical for nurses to help reduce the mechanical load for patients. This includes frequent turning and repositioning of patients.

What is normal Waterlow score?

Potential scores range from 1 to 64. A total Waterlow score ≥10 indicates risk for pressure ulcer. A high risk score is ≥15. A very high risk exists at scores ≥20.

What is Waterlow tool used for?

The primary aim of this tool is to assist you to assess risk of a patient/client developing a pressure ulcer.

What is the preferred position for preventing pressure ulcers?

Turning a patient who is bed-bound is the most important thing you can do to prevent pressure ulcers from occurring. Frequent turning alternates areas of pressure on bony areas, such as the lower back, hips, elbows, and heels.

What 8 points are important in preventing pressure ulcers?

The following tips can be used to help prevent the development of pressure ulcers.

  • 1 RISK ASSESSMENT.
  • 2 SKIN.
  • 3 SKIN CARE.
  • 4 MOISTURE.
  • 5 INCONTINENCE.
  • 6 NUTRITION.
  • 7 POSITION/MOBILITY.
  • 8 ERGONOMICS.