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Support Surfaces is a Course

Support Surfaces

Self-paced
4 credits

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Full course description

Course Description:

Does the type of bed or mattress available to a patient matter? Is there a difference between foam, gel, or air? How do low air loss, air fluidized, continuous lateral rotation impact patient outcomes? We will consider each of these questions and more in this course. From identifying patient risk factors that can and cannot be addressed by the support surface available to them to selecting the appropriate support surface based on the patient's known risk factors.

This course has been created by Emory’s Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Education Center (WOCNEC).

Accredited since 1976, Emory WOCNEC provides nursing education related to acute and chronic wounds, fecal and urinary diversions, and fecal and urinary incontinence.

Target Audience:
All RN's interested in understanding more about choosing and using support surfaces.


Objectives:

  1. Differentiate risk factors that can and those that cannot be reduced/controlled by an appropriate support surface
  2. Explain need & identify options for heel ‘floating’ even when patient is on a specialty bed
  3. Define & Differentiate attributes and considerations of: Mattress Overlay; Pressure redistribution mattress; Rental bed; Rental mattress
  4. Define & Differentiate attributes and considerations of: Foam; Gel; Air
  5. Define and Differentiate attributes and considerations of: Low air loss; Air fluidized; Continuous lateral rotation
  6. Define the terms "pressure relief" and "pressure redistribution" as related to repositioning
  7. Select an appropriate support surface for a patient based upon risk factors
  8. Identify guidelines and resources for selection of appropriate wheelchair cushions

Contact Hours:

Emory Nursing Professional Development Center (ENPDC) is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.  Attendees to this CNE activity will be awarded 4.0 contact hours by ENPDC.

Participants in this course will also earn a digital badge that can be used on their social media channels.

 

Need Help with Registration? Please contact us at ene@emory.edu or 404-727-9208.