Relationship between nutritional status and pressure-ulcer development among critically ill patients

Abstract

Background Pressure ulcers represent a major health problem, particularly in critically ill patients whose nutritional status is negatively affected by illness. Therefore, careful assessment and monitoring of critically ill patients are important nursing considerations.Aim To assess the relationship between nutritional status and occurrence of pressure ulcers among adult critically ill patients.Research design A descriptive correlational research design was utilized in this study.Research questions 1–What is the nutritional status of adult critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals? 2–Is there a relationship between nutritional status and pressure-ulcer development among adult critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals?Setting Different ICUs affiliated to Cairo University Hospitals.Sample A purposive sample consisting of 90 patients was included.Tools of data collection Demographic and medical data sheet, Braden scale, and Derby nutritional score.Results Nearly two-thirds of the studied sample was not at risk of nutritional deficiency in different assessment times in percentages of 58.2, 55.6, 62.2, 66.6, and 61.1%, respectively. As well, nearly half of the patients were not at risk of developing pressure ulcers in different assessment times in percentages of 46.7, 46.7, and 56.3%, respectively. Pressure-ulcer development did not differ significantly in relation to sex and;Deg;BM;Deg;I (χ2=1.875, P≤0.759, χ2=5.639, P≤0.688). A negative significant statistical correlation was found between nutritional status and the risk of developing pressure ulcer (r=−0.761, P≤0.000).Conclusion Nutritional status was negatively associated with pressure-ulcer development. Age, immobility, and sensory perceptual alteration represented significant determinants of patients’ readiness for developing pressure ulcers.Recommendations Regular and careful assessment of critically ill patients’ nutritional status, frequent skin assessment for prevention, early detection of pressure ulcers, availability of written guidelines, and booklets about early detection and management of pressure ulcers.