Pressure Ulcer Nursing Experts

Pressure injuries and the effects that they have on people’s lives should not be underestimated. Pressure ulcers are injury to the skin and underlying tissue. They occur primarily due to the blood supply being interrupted (by pressure) to an area of skin.

Assessments can be used to determine if the patient is ‘at risk’ of developing an ulcer. However, it should be remembered that undertaking a risk assessment is merely that – it helps determine who is at risk, nothing more. Once a patient is deemed at risk then prevention injury strategies, such as special equipment or a care plan, are usually required to mitigate that risk.

Pressure ulcers usually occur in patients whose movement is restricted e.g. someone who is bed or chair bound. There are lots of high risk factors that have to be taken into account when undertaking a risk assessment and professional care and nursing staff can advise regarding this. Pressure ulcers commonly develop in areas of the skin covering bony areas.

The prevention of pressure sores is a key nursing and professional care skill. Nurses and professional carers should be adequately competent and proficient in determining patients ‘at risk’ and in implementing strategies which mitigate the risk.