Pressure Ulcer - Literary Research Paper

References: Brown, S. (2001). Bed surfaces and pressure sore prevention: an abridged report. Orthopaedic Nursing, 20(4), 38-40. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: This article summarizes the results of a systematic review of randomized controlled trials testing the effectiveness of special beds, mattresses, and cushions in preventing and treating pressure sores. The review 's citation is Cullum, N., Deeks, J., Sheldon, T.A., Song, F., & Fletcher, A.W. (2000). Beds, mattresses and cushions for pressure sore prevention and treatment (Cochrane Review). The Cochrane Library, 4. DESIGN: An integrative research review. SAMPLE: 37 studies were included in the analysis. METHODS: A broad search of databases and unpublished studies was conducted. Data were extracted from those that met the inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped in various ways but mainly by type of product evaluated. FINDINGS: Many special products designed to prevent or treat pressure sores are more effective than standard hospital foam mattresses in preventing and treating pressure sores. CONCLUSIONS: Special pressure-relieving surfaces should be used for patients at risk for skin breakdown. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Individual practitioners and agencies should have a systematic protocol for assessing patients ' risk of skin breakdown and for taking action when patients are determined to be at risk. The findings of this review provide some guidance for choosing particular products, albeit not definitive evidence for matching risk levels to products. Smith, D., & Waugh, S. (2009). Research study: an assessment of registered nurses ' knowledge of pressure ulcers prevention and treatment. Kansas Nurse, 84(1), 3-5. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu ABSTRACT: The primary purpose of this study was to assess registered nurses ' knowledge of pressure ulcer risk and prevention, pressure ulcer staging, and wound description. The secondary purpose of this study was to identify registered nurses ' perceived barriers to providing effective pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. The Pieper Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Test (PPUKT) was used in this study. The mean test score for the total sample (N = 96) was 34.22 out of 47 questions (SD = 4.00). Nurses ' knowledge was significantly higher when exposed to educational materials. There was no relationship between test scores and age, experience, or nursing degree. Common perceived barriers included: patient too heavy, not enough time, and not enough staff. Wann-Hansson, C., Hagell, P., & Willman, A. (2008). Risk factors and prevention among patients with hospital-acquired and pre-existing pressure ulcers in an acute care hospital. Journal Of Clinical Nursing, 17(13), 1718-1727. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu ABSTRACT: Aims and objectives. This study aimed to describe and identify risk factors associated with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers among adults in an acute care hospital compared with patients with pre-existing pressure ulcers present on admission. A further aim was to identify the preventive measures performed with both groups respectively. Background. Pressure ulcers occur most often in older and immobile persons with severe acute illness and neurological deficits. However, few studies have addressed risk factors that are associated with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers compared with patients with pre-existing pressure ulcers. Design. A point prevalence study with a cross-sectional survey design was conducted at a Swedish university hospital. Method. Data on 535 patients were recorded using a modified version of the protocol developed and tested by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, including the Braden scale for risk assessment. Results. The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 27% (95% confidence interval, 23-31%). Higher age and a total Braden score below 17 were significantly associated with the presence of pressure ulcers. Among individual risk factors higher age, limited activity level and friction and shear while seated or lying down were associated with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, whereas only higher age and friction and shear were associated with the presence of pressure ulcers in the overall sample. There was an overall sparse use of preventive measures to relieve pressure. Conclusion. The findings of the present study revealed that pressure ulcers and the insufficient use of preventive measure to relieve pressure is still a problem in acute care settings. A continued focus must be placed on staff training in identifying patients at risk for pressure ulcers development. Relevance to clinical practice. Increasing the ability to identify patients who are at risk for pressure ulcer development can assist in preventing unnecessary complications and suffering as well as reduce costs.