Nursing records, prevention measures and incidence of pressure ulcers in an Intensive Care Unit

The paradox of obesity in pressure ulcers of critically ill patients

The relationship between body mass index and pressure ulcers in critically ill patients is controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between body mass index and pressure ulcers by analysing data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (version 2.0) database. Eligible data (21 835 cases) were extracted from the database (2008-2019). The association between body mass index and pressure ulcers in critically ill patients was investigated by adjusting multivariate trend analysis, restricted cubic spline analysis, and segmented linear models. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were used to ensure the stability of the results. Trend analysis and restricted cubic spline analysis showed an approximate U-shaped correlation between body mass index and the occurrence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients, with the risk of pressure ulcers decreasing rapidly with increasing body mass index (8.6% decrease per unit) after adjusting for relevant factors; the trend reached its minimum at a body mass index of 27.5 kg/m2, followed by a slow increase in the risk of pressure ulcers with increasing body mass index (1.4% increase per unit). Among the subgroups, the highest overall risk of pressure ulcers and the risk of severe pressure ulcers were significantly higher in the underweight group than in the other subgroups, and the risk associated with the overweight group was the lowest. There is a U-shaped association between body mass index and pressure ulcers in critically ill patients, and being underweight and obese both increase the risk of pressure ulcers. The risk is highest among underweight patients and lowest among overweight patients (but not patients of normal weight), necessitating targeted prevention strategies for critically ill patients with different body mass indexes.

Nursing interventions for pressure injury prevention among critically ill patients: A systematic review

AIM

To systemically synthesise the evidence on the most effective nursing interventions to prevent pressure injuries among critical care patients.

BACKGROUND

Although pressure injury (PI) prevention is a focus of nursing care in critical care units, hospital-acquired pressure injuries continue to occur in these settings.

DESIGN

A systematic review of literature guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and Synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. Included studies were screened and then critically appraised using the appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool. Data were analysed and reported using a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

The review included 14 studies. Randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental, case series and cross-sectional studies were included. The review identified four broad categories of interventions that are the most effective for preventing pressure injuries: (a) PI prevention bundles, (b) repositioning and the use of surface support, (c) prevention of medical device-related pressure injuries and (d) access to expertise. All the included studies reported a reduction in pressure injuries following the interventions; however, the strength of the evidence was rated from moderate to very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses are well qualified to lead in the prevention of pressure injuries in critical care units. Every critically ill patient requires interventions to prevent pressure injuries, and the prevention of PIs should be considered a complex intervention. Nurses must plan and implement evidence-based care to prevent all types of pressure injuries, including medical device-related pressure injuries. Education and training programmes for nurses on PI prevention are important for prevention of pressure injuries.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nursing interventions should consist of evidence-based 'bundles' and be adapted to patients' needs. To prevent pressure injuries among critically ill patients, nurses must be competent and highly educated and ensure fundamental strategies are routinely implemented to improve mobility and offload pressure.