Causes and solution of medical-devices-related pressure ulcer in intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the causes of medical-devices-related pressure ulcer in intensive care unit （ ICU） and to come up with the countermeasures .Methods Patients were recruited between April 2011 and April 2012.A team of five nurses was in charge with the data collection , consultation of the nursing record and investigation of the possible reasons of medical-devices-related pressure ulcer .Results Among a total of 2 240 ICU patients, thirty-seven patients （1.65%） had medical-devices-related pressure ulcer, within which eighteen （ 48.65%） pressure ulcer was related to mechanical ventilation device and nine （ 24.32%） pressure ulcer was because of the orthopedic fixation devices .Medical devices which induced to pressure ulcer in the first three were mask and strap , orthotics and t shoes , endotracheal intubation and fixed belt .After the intervention treatment was given according to the pressure ulcer care guidelines , twenty-eight patients was healed , with healing time 4-12 d, six cases died , and three cases was in automatic discharge .Conclusions The use of ventilation devices and orthopedic fixation are the major causes of pressure ulcer .The key point to prevent pressure ulcer is to decompress tissue and skin , and strengthen the care for pressing areas . Key words: Pressure ulcer; Medical devices; Causes; Solution