THE ROLE OF NURSING IN THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF PRESSURE INJURIES IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Pressure injuries (PIs) are lesions that affect the skin and underlying tissues, generally caused by prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body, particularly in patients with reduced mobility. These injuries are recurrent in hospital settings, with higher incidence in patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) due to prolonged immobility and the severity of their clinical condition. Considered a public health issue, PIs prolong hospitalization, increase healthcare costs, and compromise patients’ quality of life. In this context, the essential role of the nurse stands out, as their practice is decisive in the prevention and treatment of these injuries through systematic, evidence-based approaches. This study, with a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach, was based on a literature review conducted in the SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, covering publications between 2020 and 2025. The analysis of the selected studies highlighted that interventions such as repositioning, use of assistive technologies, application of specialized dressings, and monitoring of risk factors are fundamental to reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers and promoting patient well-being. It is concluded that humanized care, combined with effective preventive strategies, is essential to ensure the quality of nursing care in Intensive Care Units.