Pressure Ulcers: A Case Study
Does Repositioning a patient every two hours prevent pressure ulcers?
Sherri Newland
Solano Community College
Nursing Program
September 28,2012
Does repositioning a patient every two hours prevent pressure ulcers? Pressure ulcers are a common problem in all health care settings. Risk factors associated with increased pressure ulcer incidence have been identified. Activity or mobility limitation, incontinence, abnormalities in nutritional status, and altered consciousness are the most consistently reported risk factors for pressure ulcers. While evidence based protocols are in place are we doing enough to prevent pressure Ulcers? In the first Article I read, Developing a Protocol for Intensive Care Patients at High Risk for Pressure Ulcers it states That “National Database of Nursing Quality indicators report that facility acquired pressure ulcer rates for critical care units range between 7.14% and 14.5%” (Critical Care Nurse June 2012 Vol 30 no.3 77-80). The article goes on to say this number is still too high of an incidence. Before any protocol will be effective all personnel involved in direct patient care need to be trained to ensure continuity of care.
Sherri Newland
Solano Community College
Nursing Program
September 28,2012
Does repositioning a patient every two hours prevent pressure ulcers? Pressure ulcers are a common problem in all health care settings. Risk factors associated with increased pressure ulcer incidence have been identified. Activity or mobility limitation, incontinence, abnormalities in nutritional status, and altered consciousness are the most consistently reported risk factors for pressure ulcers. While evidence based protocols are in place are we doing enough to prevent pressure Ulcers? In the first Article I read, Developing a Protocol for Intensive Care Patients at High Risk for Pressure Ulcers it states That “National Database of Nursing Quality indicators report that facility acquired pressure ulcer rates for critical care units range between 7.14% and 14.5%” (Critical Care Nurse June 2012 Vol 30 no.3 77-80). The article goes on to say this number is still too high of an incidence. Before any protocol will be effective all personnel involved in direct patient care need to be trained to ensure continuity of care.