Introduction
The effective management of pressure ulcers is a critical aspect of caring for immobile patients who have to stay in bed for long periods due to severe injuries or other health exposures. The provision of qualified nursing assistance can be achieved in different ways depending on the accompanying circumstances, for instance, frequent bed linen changes, massages, and other methods. The assessment of the factors influencing the development of pressure ulcers and the analysis of patients’ individual predisposition to this problem are valuable perspectives to take into account to manage pressure ulcers successfully.
This paper will present historical and mathematical perspectives regarding the efficient management of pressure ulcers. The historical question implies that patients may have a predisposition to developing these skin problems, and a preliminary analysis of family history, including the information about relatives’ pathologies, is an important aspect to consider. The mathematical question suggests that the relationship between frictional force and load exerted determines the occurrence of pressure ulcers, and appropriate formulas can help identify predisposition to the issue, thereby managing and preventing it effectively.
Historical Perspective
One of the most important factors to consider when planning pressure ulcer management is to assess the individual characteristics of the patient. Casal-Guisande et al. (2020) note that health history “shows a description of the patient’s health status to date (for example, information about previous pathologies, ongoing treatments or disabilities)” (p. 614). The risks of developing pressure ulcers differ in people who find themselves in an immobile state and are forced to rely on the help of medical personnel.
The assessment of whether a patient has a predisposition is based on historical assumptions that may contribute to identifying how likely such a problem is for a particular person. Therefore, despite the identical care conditions, skin problems can manifest themselves differently, which, in turn, determines the need to take into account a particular health history.
Since pressure ulcer management affects life expectancy directly, providing an appropriate care environment suitable for patients individually is essential to quality care. In their quantitative study, Jaul et al. (2016) compare life expectancy in older adults with advanced dementia with and without pressure ulcers and find a direct correlation between the presence of skin problems and survival. In particular, the authors draw attention to the importance of analyzing the history of each case, for instance, comorbid diseases, and argue that these factors are critical when drawing up a care plan (Jaul et al., 2016). Ignoring these criteria, conversely, reduces the chances of effective pressure ulcer management and makes life difficult for patients. Therefore, the historical perspective of the issue in question is a relevant and valuable context to consider to provide appropriate care and create a productive environment for recovery.
Mathematical Perspective
The mathematical perspective that may be considered when planning pressure ulcer management is another valuable insight that allows one to interpret specific aspects of the problem accurately. Khlifi et al. (2019) conduct a quantitative study aimed to highlight the frequency of metabolic disturbances accompanying pressure ulcers. As a result, the authors carry out calculations by using mathematical algorithms to understand the principles and causes of the development of skin problems (Khlifi et al., 2019).
One of the tools they use is a formula that calculates total fat as a criterion for assessment (Khlifi et al., 2019). Such a mechanism allows excluding any subjective and biased evaluations and helps focus on the information obtained as a result of accurate calculations based on the data from each patient individually. Therefore, this perspective is useful as a methodology for evaluating care options based on appropriate calculations that reflect personal health characteristics.
In addition to individual indicators that can be obtained, the basic prerequisites for the development of pressure ulcers may be analyzed in accordance with mathematical calculations. Gefen (2017) offers to pay attention to “the mathematical relationships between surface frictional forces and internal tissue loads” (p. S63).
Despite the fact that calculating this correlation requires preliminary preparation and relevant knowledge, it, as the author remarks, allows identifying a natural predisposition to the emergence of pressure ulcers (Gefen, 2017). The patient’s weight, regarded as a pressure variable, is considered in the context of contact with the bed surface, and the result obtained may be utilized to determine a tendency to skin problems. Thus, a mathematical perspective is a relevant and valuable research field that, despite its potential complexity, provides an opportunity to obtain accurate data needed to manage pressure ulcers successfully.
Conclusion
By applying the historical and mathematical perspectives of inquiry, medical personnel can identify patients’ predisposition to pressure ulcers and manage this problem effectively. The individual data for each case are essential as they provide an opportunity to assess the associated problems and their impact on the risks of skin damage in immobile patients. Mathematical analysis, in turn, allows calculating and comparing personal information, thereby identifying the likelihood of developing pressure ulcers. Skilled care can be based on the combination of these perspectives to provide quality assistance to patients in need.
References
Casal-Guisande, M., Comesaña-Campos, A., Cerqueiro-Pequeño, J., & Bouza-RodrĂguez, J. B. (2020). Design and development of a methodology based on expert systems, applied to the treatment of pressure ulcers. Diagnostics, 10(9), 614. Web.
Gefen, A. (2017). Why is the heel particularly vulnerable to pressure ulcers? British Journal of Nursing, 26(Sup20), S62-S74. Web.
Jaul, E., Meiron, O., & Menczel, J. (2016). The effect of pressure ulcers on the survival in patients with advanced dementia and comorbidities. Experimental Aging Research, 42(4), 382-389. Web.
Khlifi, L., Graiet, H., Sahli, S., Ben-Hadj-Mohamed, M., Khelil, S., Bouzidi, N., & Miled, A. E. (2019). Evidence of metabolic imbalance and oxidative stress among patients suffering from pressure ulcers. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 30(4), 414-421. Web.