AORN Journal
Volume 84, Issue 1 , Pages 75-96, July 2006

Prevention and Early Detection of Pressure Ulcers in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

  • Dennis Sewchuk, RN

      Affiliations

    • Dennis Sewchuk, RN, BS, CNOR, is a surgical services clinical educator at The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI.
    • ,
  • Cynthia Padula, RN

      Affiliations

    • Cynthia Padula, RN, PhD, CS, is a research specialist, Center for Professional Practice Development, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, and a professor, College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI.
    • ,
  • Evelyn Osborne, RN

      Affiliations

    • Evelyn Osborne, RN, MS, CWON, is a wound and ostomy clinical specialist, Center for Professional Practice Development, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI.

ABSTRACT 

•ABSENCE OF PRESSURE ULCERS is increasingly being used as an indicator of quality nursing care, based on the premise that pressure ulcers are preventable.

•THIS RETROSPECTIVE STUDY examined the occurrence, presentation, and timing of pressure ulcer development in 150 patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

•PRESSURE ULCER INCIDENTS were recorded in groups of patients who underwent surgery with use of a standard foam OR bed mattress; use of a fluid, pressure-reducing OR bed mattress; or use of a fluid, pressuring-reducing mattress after a comprehensive educational program on pressure ulcer prevention was presented to RNs.

•THE NUMBER of pressure ulcers decreased when the fluid, pressure-reducing OR bed mattresses were used in conjunction with the comprehensive RN education program. AORN J 84 (July 2006) 75–96. © AORN, Inc, 2006.

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 Editor's notes: RIK® Fluid Operating Room table pads used for this study were provided by Kinetic Concepts, Inc (KCI, San Antonio, Tex). Investigative support also was provided by the nursing department at the Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI.

PII: S0001-2092(06)60100-2

doi:10.1016/S0001-2092(06)60100-2

AORN Journal
Volume 84, Issue 1 , Pages 75-96, July 2006

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