THE ROLE OF THE INTENSIVE CARE NURSE IN THE PREVENTION OF PRESSURE INJURIES

Abstract

The Intensive Care Unit is a highly complex environment where critically ill patients face high risks for developing pressure injuries (PIs) due to immobility and clinical severity. Preventing these injuries requires effective action from the nurse, the use of scales such as the Braden Scale, and evidence-based strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the role of the intensive care nurse in the prevention of PIs. This research is characterized as a qualitative literature review, with the search for studies conducted in the databases Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), CAPES Periodicals Portal, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Articles published between 2020 and 2025, available in full text, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and directly addressing the proposed theme were included. The results showed that the intensive care nurse is an essential agent in the prevention of PIs, acting as a precursor to care and ensuring the application of safe and effective practices. Investing in professional development, adopting evidence-based protocols, and valuing the nursing profession is essential for reducing these health problems and continuously improving the quality of healthcare.