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The fluidised bed

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Abstract

The process of fluidisation involves blowing warm air through small solid microspheres thus creating a liquid, without wetness. The warmth provides some important properties including reducing the metabolic rate in thermal injury which has ab eneficial effect on mortality, modifying catabolism after surgery, providing gradual vasodilation in shock and core temperature stability in illness. The fluidisation ensures prevention and successful treatment of pressure sores, a comfortable and less stressful environment than conventional care, a reduction in pain, ease of wound care, discourages a bacterial persistence and reduces the work of the nurse. The importance of proper fluid balance, bacteriological care and limitations of posture must be appreciated in using the bed.

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Ryan, D.W. The fluidised bed. Intensive Care Med 21, 270–276 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01701488

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