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Skin complications in the intensive care unit
J R Peerless1, A Davies, D Klein
1Department of Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Clinics in Chest Medicine
|July 1, 1999
Summary
Critically ill patients are prone to pressure ulcers due to multiple risk factors. Effective management involves controlling incontinence, ensuring oxygen and nutrition, and consistent skin assessment to prevent and treat these serious conditions.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Dermatology
- Wound healing
Background:
- Critically ill patients often present with multiple comorbidities increasing pressure ulcer risk.
- Pressure ulcers, involving tissue damage from bone to skin, stem from prolonged pressure and shearing forces.
- Skin breakdown is a significant concern in intensive care units (ICUs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the risk factors for pressure ulcer development in critically ill patients.
- To outline key strategies for minimizing skin breakdown in the ICU.
- To emphasize the importance of early detection and interdisciplinary management of pressure ulcers.
Main Methods:
- Review of risk factors associated with pressure ulcer development in critical care.
- Discussion of essential interventions for preventing skin breakdown.
- Emphasis on surveillance and interdisciplinary collaboration for established pressure ulcers.
Main Results:
- Multiple risk factors contribute to pressure ulcer development in critically ill patients.
- Incontinence control, adequate oxygenation, and nutritional support are crucial for prevention.
- Early skin assessment and surveillance are vital for timely intervention.
- An interdisciplinary approach involving nursing and surgical specialists is necessary for managing developed pressure ulcers.
Conclusions:
- Preventing pressure ulcers in critically ill patients requires a multifaceted approach.
- Key preventive strategies include managing incontinence, optimizing oxygen delivery, and ensuring nutritional support.
- Consistent skin surveillance and a collaborative interdisciplinary team are essential for effective pressure ulcer management in ICUs.