Pressure ulcers: causes, risk factors, assessment, and intervention

Pressure ulcers are an extensive and expensive patient care issue. Knowledge of the underlying causes of and risk factors for pressure ulcer development allows the nurse to implement actions to prevent and/or effectively treat pressure ulcers. Familiarity with assessment and interventions, including appropriate dressing selection, allows the nurse to promote positive outcomes for patients at risk for and/or experiencing pressure ulcers. This article reviews the anatomy of the skin and discusses underlying causes and risk factors for pressure ulcer development. This article also explains the importance of patient assessment, including wound measurement, and presents appropriate interventions for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment.