Nurses role in management of pressure ulcer
Management of pressure ulcers encompasses both prevention and treatment of the sores.
It implies that the nurse uses the standard tools as recommended by National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel in assessment, classification, and appropriate intervention that will be goal oriented and cost effective. This involves assessment of patient for intrinsic and extrinsic factors to the development of a pressure ulcer using relevant risk assessment scales e.g. Braden, Waterlow or Norton’s Scales[8] as well as needs for bed mobility, adequate tissue perfusion and adequate nutritional status. Once the risk level of the patient is determined (Nursing diagnoses), the nurse and her colleagues, along with the patient where possible, can create plan of prevention and care appropriate to their risk level.