BED SORE IN ICU

A fter cancer and cardiovascular diseases, pressure ulcers are the third costly disorders. Most common causes of pressure ulcers development are age over 70 years, being male, white skin, smoking, low body mass index, impaired mobility, altered mental status, urinary and fecal incontinence, malnutrition, etc. Pressure ulcers are a potential complication of intensive care patients and preventing them is a major issue in nursing care. T his article reviews newest preventive methods of pressure ulcers in ICU. The prevalence of pressure ulcers in Intensive Care Unit is higher than other units. 8% to 40% of ICU patients develop bedsores because of immunocompromised individuals. Nursing care is regarded as the key factors in the prevention of pressure ulcers. Identification of patients at risk of pressure sore development is the most important issue in pressure sore prevention. The best predictive tool for pressure sores in the intensive care unit is the Braden Scale. This scale is divided into six risk categories: sensory perception, moisture activity mobility, nutrition friction, and shear.