S - SKIN INTEGRITY
Screen for common conditions, such as anemia, inflammation, diabetes, and hypothyroidism, which are known to delay healing, to ensure appropriate treatment. Perform the following tests:
- complete blood count, including hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, absolute lymphocyte count, serum albumin and description of red blood cell morphology
- iron profile, including ferritin, serum iron, percentage saturation, and total iron-binding capacity
- inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein, prealbumin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- endocrine factors, including fasting or random blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and thyroid function tests.
If an individual with SCI is at risk of pressure injury development as indicated by biochemical, anthropometric and lifestyle factors, the registered dietitian should implement aggressive nutrition support measures. The range of options may include medical food supplements and enteral and parenteral nutrition. Research suggests that improved nutrition intake, body weight and biochemical parameters may be associated with reduced risk of pressure injury development. (NUTR 2009, p.36; Level A)