THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NURSE'S ROLE IN PREVENTING INJURIES IN THE HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT: A CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Pressure injuries represent one of the main challenges in hospital care, especially among patients with reduced mobility, as they increase length of stay, institutional costs, and morbidity and mortality rates. In this context, nursing plays a strategic role in implementing preventive measures, integrating evidence-based practices, and strengthening patient safety. Objective: To critically analyze the role of nurses in preventing pressure injuries in hospitalized patients with reduced mobility, considering care strategies, institutional factors, and the importance of professional training. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review conducted in SciELO, LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and governmental documents between February and April 2025. The controlled descriptors “pressure injuries,” “nursing,” “preventive care,” “reduced mobility,” and “hospital environment” were combined with the Boolean operator AND. Full-text articles published between 2020 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, as well as official technical guidelines, were included. Duplicates, studies without clear methodology, or those addressing non-hospital contexts were excluded. Data were categorized thematically, resulting in three axes of discussion. Results: The review showed that the most effective strategies include the use of validated risk assessment scales, regular repositioning, skin integrity maintenance, and pressure-relieving devices. Institutional barriers such as resource shortages, staff overload, and lack of standardized protocols were highlighted. Moreover, continuous professional training proved essential to enhance adherence to preventive practices and improve care quality. Conclusion: The study concludes that nursing practice is crucial for preventing pressure injuries, requiring integration of technical knowledge, institutional support, and continuing education. Strengthening nursing leadership, investing in human and material resources, and conducting future research on innovative interventions and assistive technologies are recommended to ensure safer and higher-quality hospital care.