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Skin temperature as a clinical parameter for nursing care: a descriptive correlational study
Rhea Sa Soares1, Suzinara Bs Lima1, Thaís D Eberhardt1
1Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Journal of Wound Care
|December 12, 2019
Summary
This study identified mean skin temperatures in various body areas for surgical patients without pressure ulcer risk. Findings show the sacral region has the highest temperature, varying by age, aiding clinical practice for pressure ulcer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Nursing
- Patient Safety
- Dermatology
Background:
- Hospitalized patients are at risk of developing pressure ulcers (PUs).
- Understanding baseline skin temperature variations is crucial for early detection of potential tissue damage.
- Surgical units require specific data on skin temperature for at-risk patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine mean skin temperatures across different body regions in hospitalized surgical patients.
- To establish reference values for skin temperature in individuals not at immediate risk of pressure ulcers.
- To explore correlations between age, environmental factors, and skin temperature.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study conducted in a surgical unit.
- Skin temperature measured at bony prominences (scapula, elbow, trochanters, heels) and occipital/sacral regions.
- Data collected from 230 patients between May and October 2017 in southern Brazil.
Main Results:
- The sacral region exhibited the highest mean skin temperature (34.2±0.1°C).
- Younger patients (18-59 years) had higher sacral skin temperatures than older patients (60-88 years).
- Symmetrical temperatures were observed on both sides of the body, with low correlation to age and environmental factors.
Conclusions:
- Established mean skin temperature values for specific body areas in non-PU risk surgical patients.
- Skin temperature can serve as a valuable clinical parameter for proactive pressure ulcer prevention strategies.
- Provides essential data for nursing interventions aimed at maintaining skin integrity.
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