Nursing Assessment
Element: Prevention of pressure ulcers
This essay is going to explore the nursing process with regard to the prevention of pressure ulcers.
Pressure ulcers are a widespread and often underestimated health problem in the UK. They occur in 4-10% of patients admitted to hospital (Ward et al, 2010).
This essay, using case study 4, will explore the holistic nursing process, and also the biological, sociological, psychological and ethical issues regarding the prevention of pressure ulcers.
Lily is frightened due to her shortness of breath (dyspnoea), and as lying down exasperates her ability to breath effectively, has been sleeping in a chair. This is the primary concern of Lily. There has also been recent weight loss. The aim of any nursing interventions will be to improve Lily’s breathing and nutritional status; allowing her to mobilise more effectively and relieve pressure on her sacral area. Dyspnoea is a common and debilitating symptom of heart failure. Patients frequently become distressed and frightened by their breathlessness, which can worsen their symptoms (Currow et al, 2009).
Any nursing interventions to improve Lily’s health and well-being will need to take into account the patients perspective of her health and what goals she wants to achieve. Collaboration and negotiation with the patient will help them identify their problems and/or goals (Field & Smith, 2008).
The nursing process is a structured, systematic approach to care, based on evidence and the individual needs of the patient (Holland K. 2008). There are four main stages to this process; assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. When Lily is admitted to hospital she will be assessed to identify her health and social needs. The main aim of the assessment process is to identify problems then design a realistic plan of nursing care to meet the individual needs of the patient and improve their health status (RCN, 2004). This individualised assessment examines
This essay is going to explore the nursing process with regard to the prevention of pressure ulcers.
Pressure ulcers are a widespread and often underestimated health problem in the UK. They occur in 4-10% of patients admitted to hospital (Ward et al, 2010).
This essay, using case study 4, will explore the holistic nursing process, and also the biological, sociological, psychological and ethical issues regarding the prevention of pressure ulcers.
Lily is frightened due to her shortness of breath (dyspnoea), and as lying down exasperates her ability to breath effectively, has been sleeping in a chair. This is the primary concern of Lily. There has also been recent weight loss. The aim of any nursing interventions will be to improve Lily’s breathing and nutritional status; allowing her to mobilise more effectively and relieve pressure on her sacral area. Dyspnoea is a common and debilitating symptom of heart failure. Patients frequently become distressed and frightened by their breathlessness, which can worsen their symptoms (Currow et al, 2009).
Any nursing interventions to improve Lily’s health and well-being will need to take into account the patients perspective of her health and what goals she wants to achieve. Collaboration and negotiation with the patient will help them identify their problems and/or goals (Field & Smith, 2008).
The nursing process is a structured, systematic approach to care, based on evidence and the individual needs of the patient (Holland K. 2008). There are four main stages to this process; assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. When Lily is admitted to hospital she will be assessed to identify her health and social needs. The main aim of the assessment process is to identify problems then design a realistic plan of nursing care to meet the individual needs of the patient and improve their health status (RCN, 2004). This individualised assessment examines
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