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Pressure ulcer prevention in the intensive care unit: a case study
1Department of Nursing, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington 98447, USA. kimberlee.bulger@gmail.com
Critical Care Nursing Quarterly
|September 5, 2013
Summary
A new protocol using the Braden Scale helps prevent pressure ulcers in intensive care units. This tool guides interventions and sacral dressing application for at-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Wound prevention and management
Background:
- Pressure ulcers pose a significant challenge in healthcare, especially in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Patient instability and competing priorities in ICUs can sideline essential skin care.
- Existing protocols may not adequately address the unique needs of the ICU population.
Observation:
- A protocol was developed for intensive care patients, specifically targeting pressure ulcer prevention.
- The protocol is based on the six subscales of the Braden Scale, a widely recognized tool for assessing pressure ulcer risk.
- It outlines specific interventions tailored to each Braden Scale subscale.
Findings:
- The protocol includes clear criteria for applying preventive sacral dressings.
- A case study demonstrated the protocol's application in managing a suspected deep tissue injury that progressed to a Stage III pressure ulcer.
- The tool aims to integrate pressure ulcer prevention into the critical care workflow.
Implications:
- This protocol offers a structured approach to pressure ulcer prevention in the high-risk ICU environment.
- It emphasizes proactive skin care by linking risk assessment directly to targeted interventions.
- Implementing this protocol may reduce the incidence and severity of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients.
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