BED SORES IN ICU

After 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 potential complications of intensive care patients
and preventing them is a major issue in nursing care.
Materials & Methods: This article reviews newest preventive methods of pressure ulcers in ICU.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: Nursing care is regarded as the key factor 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 preventive 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