Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcer Development in Medical Intensive Care Units: an Observational Study

Beder, Fatma Shafeqe; Mansour, Hend Elsayed; Goada, Tarek; Kandeel, Nahed Attia

doi:10.21608/mnj.2023.321870

Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcer Development in Medical Intensive Care Units: an Observational Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ head of nursing department, medical specialist hospital, Mansoura university

² Lecturer of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

³ Professor of Internal Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, Mansoura University

⁴ Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

10.21608/mnj.2023.321870

Abstract

Background: Intensive care units have the highest prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers (PUs) in the hospital
setting. Identifying risk factors of PUs is very important for effective prevention. Aim: This study aimed to assess risk
factors for PUs among critically ill patients in medical intensive care units. Study design: The study has an
observational descriptive design. Setting: The study was conducted at medical intensive care units located in Medical
Specialized Hospital in Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sample of 86 patients who were admitted to the previous
predetermined setting were enrolled in this investigation. Tool: Pressure ulcer assessment tool was used to collect data
for this investigation. Results: Anemia and hypoalbuminemia were the most common risk factors among the studied
patients. A statistically significant correlation was found between the development of PUs, and gender, diabetes, and
current smoking status. The non use of preventive care, hypoalbuminemia, altered level of consciousness, diagnosis of
chronic liver disease, and high/very high risk score by the initial Braden Scale were statistically significant predictors of
PUs. Statistically significant differences were noted between the group who developed PUs and the group who did
develop PUs regarding hypoalbuminemia (P=0.029) and altered level of consciousness (P=0.012). Conclusion:
Identifying PUs risk factors by critical care nurses is fundamental for implementing successful preventive protocols.
Recommendations: Critical care nurses should identify high risk groups for PUs and implement preventive measures as
a part of daily care for patients in intensive care units.

Keywords