Nursing performance in the prevention of pressure injuries in Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Introduction: The prevention of pressure injuries in the Intensive Care Unit is essential to reduce patient complications and minimize the length of hospital stay. It is up to the nurse to evaluate, prescribe preventive care and train the nursing team. Objective: To investigate the role of the nursing team in the prevention of pressure injuries in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, with scientific articles available in full, published in Brazil, in the last five years, in the BDENF, LILACS and SCIELO databases. Results: A total of 71 scientific articles were found, of which 11 articles were included. The nurse's work encompasses the following nursing care to prevent pressure injuries: physical examination of the patient's skin, use of risk prediction scales, changes in decubitus and support of bone prominences. The findings show that the nursing team's knowledge about the prevention of pressure injuries is insufficient, and the nurse has the role of keeping the team trained. Final Considerations: It is necessary to have permanent education of nursing team professionals, which is strategic for the prevention of pressure injuries in the Intensive Care Unit.