PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PRESSURE INJURIES IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

Patients bedridden in intensive care units (ICU) are prone to developing pressure injuries (PPI). Wounds can progress to degrees that complicate health status and can lead to death. The objective of this work was to develop a bibliographical review on LPP, addressing its causes, risk factors, prevention, treatment and nursing care, providing a broad thematic overview, in order to contribute to the understanding and improvement of the management of this clinical complication. Mainly scientific articles and some electronic books on the topic were explored. The results showed that the causes and risk factors are patient predisposition, obesity, medical equipment and long stay in the ICU; treatment commonly occurs non-invasively; nursing care must be permeated with a humanized character, as the nurse's role is to care. It was concluded that PPI is a preventable event, however, many professionals are unaware of some causes and risk factors, in addition to there being little institutional structure and adequate professional training.