Úlceras por presión en pacientes gerontólogicos

Abstract

Amongst the most frequent problems that elderly adults present due to immobility are Pressure Ulcers (PrU), which affect their health and well-being. This research aims at knowing about UPPs in gerontological patients, their prevalence, associated factors, measurement scales; therapeutic approach, and the intervention that nursing staff provides in these patients. Bibliographic-documentary-type research is presented based on the review of articles written in the last five years regarding the topic; both qualitative and quantitative types of research are considered. The method used is the inductive one, same that starts from the particular premises of each study, establishing situations of general order from them. The results determine that there is a prevalence of PrU in gerontological dependent patients, being the female gender the most affected; the associated factors are related to prolonged bed rest, little mobility, bad feeding, physiological alterations, incontinence, among others; the most used scale at present is the Braden scale. The therapeutic approach is aimed at curing and diminishing the complications of PrU; and the nursing staff's attention is related to diagnoses, results, and interventions based on evidence and described in the literature. Finally, it is concluded that due to the condition of the gerontological patients, these have a predisposition to developing PrU, being necessary the intervention of nursing staff prevent, treat, and help in their remedy.