Pressure ulcer development in trauma patients with suspected spinal injury; the influence of risk factors present in the emergency department

In the international pressure ulcer (PU) guideline, a PU is defined as ‘localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, resulting from sustained pressure (including pressure associated with shear)’ (Haesler, 2014). It is clear that a PU results from pressure, but not all patients exposed to pressure develop PUs. The tissue response on mechanical load (pressure) varies for each individual and multiple risk factors appear to play a role in PU development (Haesler, 2014).
Source: International Emergency Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Source Type: research