Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcers

Abstract

The authors believe that stool and urinary incontinence, smoking, anemia, not using a pressure-reducing bed surface, and infrequent change of position in bed are considerable risk factors for the development of PrUs. Immobilized patients should be assessed for these risk factors, and measures should be taken to prevent PrU development.

Investigation of the risk factors of pressure ulcers in intensive care unit patients: According to the Braden Scale

“…The scores decreased with an increase in the risk of PU development. Preventive measures taken generally similar according to the scores obtained in the Braden Scale, only small differences may be observed between the groups of different risk levels (23). The incidence of PUs in patients at risk for PU according to the Braden Score in ICUs in this study was found to be 17.0%.…”

“…Braden Scale: The Braden Scale for predicting PU risk, is a instrument that was developed in 1987 by Barbara Braden and Nancy Bergstrom. The purpose of the scale is to help health professionals, especially nurses, assess a patient's risk of developing a PU (16,23,28). The Braden Scale is composed of six subscales that reflect sensory perception, skin moisture, activity, mobility, friction and shear, and nutritional status.…”

“…Although the importance of using PUs risk assessment scales and incidence rates in ICU is highest, risk assessment scales are not widely used in Turkey (8,23). In studies conducted in Turkey demonstrate that only 10-17% of nurses have used the Risk Assessment Scales of Braden and Norton (8,23). The most frequently used scale in the States is the Braden scale (15,23).…”

“…In studies conducted in Turkey demonstrate that only 10-17% of nurses have used the Risk Assessment Scales of Braden and Norton (8,23). The most frequently used scale in the States is the Braden scale (15,23). The most frequently used scale in the United States is the Braden Scale (15,24).…”

“…In various studies examined validity and reliability of the following scales such as Braden and Waterlow (21). Although the importance of using PUs risk assessment scales and incidence rates in ICU is highest, risk assessment scales are not widely used in Turkey (8,23). In studies conducted in Turkey demonstrate that only 10-17% of nurses have used the Risk Assessment Scales of Braden and Norton (8,23).…”