Pressure Ulcers

Term Paper # 100009

Aging > Gerontology
Medical and Health > Nursing

Pressure Ulcers

An analysis of the risk assessment procedures, management and prevention strategies for pressure ulcers.

1,209 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the risk assessment procedures and prevention strategies for pressure ulcers. It describes the prevalence of pressure ulcers in the geriatric community and the risk factors that are associated with it. The paper also describes the causes of pressure ulcers. Finally, the paper discusses the prevention and management strategies for pressure ulcers and the long and short-term goals of these recommendations. The paper also includes a copy of the Braden scale for predicting pressure ulcer risk.

From the Paper:

"The development of an effective plan of care depends on how well data is collected. This data is gathered during the psychosocial assessment. To collect the information, the nurse works with the patient, their family, and with the assistance of the interdisciplinary team. The purpose of the information is to identify all the factors that need to be considered for prevention and management strategies (RNAO, 2002). The nurse collects data on the patient's mental status, state of depression, ability to cooperate, and their learning ability. Level of social support also is assessed. Tools are available to assist nurses with collecting this information. Other data collected is related to goals, values, and lifestyle. Another area of data is concerned resources, and these include information on positioning and posture (RNAO, 2002). Other data is collected about culture and ethnicity, stress, pain, and quality of life."

Sample of Sources Used:

Clay, M. (2000). Pressure ulcer prevention in nursing homes. Nursing Standard, 14 (44), 45-53.
Collins, F. (1999). Preventing pressure ulcers in the seated patient. Nursing Standard, 13 (42), 50-54.
Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (2002). Assessment and management of stage 1 to IV pressures ulcers. Toronto: RNAO.