Implementation
The management of pressure ulcers plays an inherent nursing role in reducing the associated comorbidities, including the risk of infections and bleeding. Some of the potential strategies that nurses can implement in managing pressure ulcers include the two-hourly turning of bedridden patients. Frequently changing the patients’ lying position in the bed will reduce the patients’ skin stress. Another strategy to reduce pressure ulcers is utilizing beds made with fine materials, including air-fluidized beds. Research has shown that acquiring these beds is economical compared to managing pressure ulcers (Becker et al., 2017).
Moreover, applying mattresses and pillows on the potential sites for pressure sores such as bony prominences between the knees and the ankle joints effectively avoids pressure ulcers. The nurse needs to educate the patient and family on preventing pressure ulcers is essential in its management. Additionally, nutritional support through giving patients foods rich in proteins, and adequate water, and administering albumin supplements has beneficial effects in reducing the severity of pressure area sores.
Evaluation
The practical evaluation of the resolution or reducing the pressure area sores is required to determine the interventions’ success. The nurses need to check for any open sores, edema, and reddened areas on the patient’s skin. The nurse also needs to evaluate the patient and their family’s knowledge on preventing the pressure area ulcers, including expertise on two hourly turnings, proper nutrition, and skin massages around the affected areas. Moreover, evaluating the patient’s ability to turn themselves and move out of bed is an essential indicator of achieving the goal (Becker et al., 2017). Other factors to be evaluated by nurses are the improvement in the patient’s comfort level evidenced by good sleep patterns and the prevention of infections.
Reference
Becker, D., Tozo, T. C., Batista, S. S., Mattos, A. L., Silva, M. C. B., Rigon, S.,… & Duarte, P. A. (2017). Pressure ulcers in ICU patients: Incidence and clinical and epidemiological features: A multicenter study in southern Brazil. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 42, 55-61. Web.