THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN PREVENTING PRESSURE INJURIES IN PATIENTS IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

 Pressure injuries can happen due to shearing/pressure of the skin against a surface and are associated with several risk factors. Given that pressure injuries are common in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the objectives of this research were to understand the role of nursing in pressure injury prevention, and to identify the risk factors for pressure injuries and nursing interventions in adult ICU patients. This study is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach. It concludes that nursing care is essential in preventing pressure injuries in ICU patients, with the use of scales such as Braden, Norton, and Waterlow, combined with care such as repositioning, skin hydration, and the use of cushions, contributing to the reduction of complications. Furthermore, professional training and evidence-based practice are fundamental to ensuring patient safety, quality of life, and recovery.