Impact Of Pressure Ulcers On Nursing Care
Impact of Pressure Ulcers on Nursing Care
Theory Project
May 15, 2013
ADN 151
The issue that I identified as a healthcare safety topic currently impacting nursing is pressure ulcers. A pressure ulcer is localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear and/or friction. I chose this topic for my paper because as a future nurse I would like to be able to prevent any new injuries, such as pressure ulcers, to the patient. Pressure ulcers cause great pain and lead to serious infections which can increase the length of stay at the hospital. They are costly and require many more supplies that would otherwise …show more content…
The assessment should evaluate the risk for developing a pressure ulcer and detect existing pressure ulcers. In the US, the Braden Scale is the most widely utilized assessment tool. Many patients are at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Key factors contributing to the development include: immobility, incontinence, inadequate nutrition, sensory deficiency, device-related pressure, circulatory abnormalities and dehydration. Nurses need to complete a pressure ulcer assessment as soon as possible prior to admission and document any risks for or any detected pressure ulcers so that all healthcare professionals can be aware and take precautions. The second element for implementing best practice is to reassess risk for all patients daily. Assessing patients daily will help the caregiver adjust any prevention strategies based on the changing needs of the patient. For example, changes in mobility, incontinence, or nutrition may change the patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcers. Healthcare providers are rapidly trying to discover new ways to make daily assessments more efficient and to help nurses not over look the possible risk of developing …show more content…
Any finding must immediately be documented, treated as needed and other healthcare providers must be notified. The fourth element for implementing best practice is to manage moisture by keeping the patient dry and moisturizing their skin. Action should be taken when patients’ skin is over moisturized due to incontinence, perspiration, or wound drainage. These can all lead to the development of rashes and softer skin that breaks down more easily; therefore, the skin should be cleansed daily at times of soiling and bathing. To prevent dryness of the skin, the skin should be cleaned with a mild cleansing agent that minimizes irritation. In cases of treating skin that is already dry, caregivers should use moisturizers to prevent pressure ulcers. Healthcare providers should look for opportunities to integrate periodic activities such as offering toileting, if allowed for the patient, to be able to assess the skin throughout their shifts. The fifth element for implementing best practice is optimizing nutrition and hydration. This is very important because adequate nutrition
Theory Project
May 15, 2013
ADN 151
The issue that I identified as a healthcare safety topic currently impacting nursing is pressure ulcers. A pressure ulcer is localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear and/or friction. I chose this topic for my paper because as a future nurse I would like to be able to prevent any new injuries, such as pressure ulcers, to the patient. Pressure ulcers cause great pain and lead to serious infections which can increase the length of stay at the hospital. They are costly and require many more supplies that would otherwise …show more content…
The assessment should evaluate the risk for developing a pressure ulcer and detect existing pressure ulcers. In the US, the Braden Scale is the most widely utilized assessment tool. Many patients are at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Key factors contributing to the development include: immobility, incontinence, inadequate nutrition, sensory deficiency, device-related pressure, circulatory abnormalities and dehydration. Nurses need to complete a pressure ulcer assessment as soon as possible prior to admission and document any risks for or any detected pressure ulcers so that all healthcare professionals can be aware and take precautions. The second element for implementing best practice is to reassess risk for all patients daily. Assessing patients daily will help the caregiver adjust any prevention strategies based on the changing needs of the patient. For example, changes in mobility, incontinence, or nutrition may change the patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcers. Healthcare providers are rapidly trying to discover new ways to make daily assessments more efficient and to help nurses not over look the possible risk of developing …show more content…
Any finding must immediately be documented, treated as needed and other healthcare providers must be notified. The fourth element for implementing best practice is to manage moisture by keeping the patient dry and moisturizing their skin. Action should be taken when patients’ skin is over moisturized due to incontinence, perspiration, or wound drainage. These can all lead to the development of rashes and softer skin that breaks down more easily; therefore, the skin should be cleansed daily at times of soiling and bathing. To prevent dryness of the skin, the skin should be cleaned with a mild cleansing agent that minimizes irritation. In cases of treating skin that is already dry, caregivers should use moisturizers to prevent pressure ulcers. Healthcare providers should look for opportunities to integrate periodic activities such as offering toileting, if allowed for the patient, to be able to assess the skin throughout their shifts. The fifth element for implementing best practice is optimizing nutrition and hydration. This is very important because adequate nutrition