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Prevention of pressure ulcers in the surgical patient

Patina S Walton-Geer1

  • 1AnMed Health Outpatient Wound and Foot Care Clinic, Anderson, SC, USA.

AORN Journal
|March 10, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a significant healthcare concern. This review highlights surgical patient risk factors and emphasizes the need for strategic prevention plans in perioperative departments to mitigate PU development.

Area of Science:

  • Healthcare Management
  • Surgical Patient Care
  • Wound Prevention

Background:

  • Pressure ulcers (PUs) represent a critical healthcare challenge, necessitating evaluation of post-admission acquisition.
  • Surgical environments introduce unique risk factors including patient positioning, anesthesia, and surgical duration, alongside intrinsic patient factors, all contributing to PU development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current practices for pressure ulcer prevention in surgical patients.
  • To incorporate AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) recommended practices into PU prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current practices and AORN guidelines.
  • Analysis of risk factors in the operating room (OR) setting.
  • Emphasis on strategic planning for PU prevention.

Main Results:

  • Surgical patients are universally at risk for pressure ulcer development.
  • Perioperative departments must implement proactive prevention strategies.
  • AORN recommendations provide a framework for effective PU prevention.

Conclusions:

  • All surgical patients require risk assessment for pressure ulcers.
  • Strategic, evidence-based prevention plans are essential in perioperative settings.
  • Implementing AORN recommended practices can significantly reduce PU incidence.

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