DETERMINING FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRESSURE INJURIES IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify, through a literature review, the main triggering factors for the development of pressure injuries in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. An intensive search was conducted in different databases such as PubMed; SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online); and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences). The descriptors used were "pressure injury," "wound," "nursing," and "intensive care unit." Articles that provided theoretical bases for argumentation on the topic regarding the impact of pressure injuries in patients admitted to the intensive care unit were considered. Therefore, given the aforementioned facts, it is urgently necessary to identify the predominant factors for the development of pressure injuries. We can cite extrinsic factors, such as friction and shear, excess moisture, prolonged time spent in the same position, and intrinsic factors, such as age, underlying pathologies, etc. With the onset of a pressure injury, there will be a progression to longer hospital stays and treatment, which will require therapeutic options and knowledge for preventive and curative interventions. Therefore, it is essential that nursing professionals understand the importance of pressure injury prevention and its stages once it has developed, as each stage will require different approaches. Knowing intrinsic and extrinsic factors will facilitate better care for patients admitted to the intensive care unit.