Pressure Injury Prevention and Care: 2025 Chinese and International Guidelines
The 2025 guidelines stress routine risk assessment, regular repositioning, and good nutrition to prevent pressure injuries, with staged care for existing wounds.
What Is a Pressure Injury
A pressure injury is local damage to skin or deeper tissue from prolonged pressure or pressure with shear, usually over bony areas or under medical devices. It can be painful.
Who Is at Risk
Older adults, ICU and immobile patients, and those with poor nutrition are most vulnerable. The Braden scale helps grade risk so care can be matched to need.
Staging the Injury
Injuries range from non-blanchable redness to full-thickness wounds with exposed tissue. Deep tissue injury may appear as a dark, tender patch before the surface breaks.
Preventing Harm
Reposition at least every two to three hours using a 30-degree side angle, with pressure-redistributing mattresses and seats. Keep skin dry, clean, and protected from friction.
Nutrition and Support
Screen nutrition risk and encourage a balanced diet with adequate protein and fluids. Oral feeding is preferred; tube feeding is not routine prevention. Educate patients and carers.
Managing Existing Wounds
Care is staged to the wound: protect early stages, clean and dress open wounds, and seek specialist review for deep or non-healing injury. Prevent infection and monitor closely.
