Journal of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing : official publication of The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · May 2003
Case ReportsPressure ulcers and lateral rotation beds: a case study.
During a 6-month period, the WOC nurses at a 500-bed medical treatment facility noticed the development of nosocomial pressure ulcers on the sacrum, occiput, and heel areas of patients who were placed on lateral rotation specialty beds because they had pulmonary disorders. Measures were taken to address the problem by repositioning the patients and through a staff education program. Repositioning included repositioning the patient's head every 2 hours, thorough skin assessments every 2 hours, and ensuring that the patient's heels were subject to zero pressure. ⋯ Efforts to further decrease the number of pressure ulcers related to the use of lateral rotation beds continue. Issues such as length of stay on the bed and the appropriateness of manufacturer's guidelines still need to be addressed at this facility. This case study highlights the potential issues associated with lateral rotation beds and identifies the need for further research.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Sep 2002
Risk factors associated with pressure ulcer development at a major western Australian teaching hospital from 1998 to 2000: secondary data analysis.
The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with the presence of pressure ulcer development in adult patients at an acute care teaching hospital. ⋯ Pressure ulcer prevalence in this acute care setting is high when compared with other Australian data. However, comparisons of pressure ulcer prevalence across studies are difficult to interpret because of different reporting methods. Although predictor variables for pressure ulcers have been identified in a number of studies, longitudinal studies are needed to identify the cause-and-effect relationships for potential predictor variables. In addition, more sophisticated statistical analyses such as the use of the odds ratio matrix may help guide further research into interaction effects between predictor variables and how these might affect the psychometric properties of risk assessment tools such as the Braden Scale. Pressure ulcer interventions should be targeted at the sacrum and heel, because these appear to be the most frequently observed locations for pressure ulcers.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Jul 2002
Comparative StudyThe rectal trumpet: use of a nasopharyngeal airway to contain fecal incontinence in critically ill patients.
Our objective was to determine if a nasopharyngeal airway (rectal trumpet) could be used as a fecal containment device with less trauma than traditional devices, such as a fecal incontinence pouch or balloon rectal catheter. ⋯ Use of a rectal trumpet was well tolerated by patients and practical for nurses. Incontinence was contained and no untoward effects were noted. Benefits to the patient included wound healing and improved comfort.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · May 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe effect of 10-degree leg elevation and 30-degree head elevation on body displacement and sacral interface pressures over a 2-hour period.
This pilot study was undertaken to determine the effects of a 10-degree leg elevation for 30-degree head-up position on body displacement and sacral interface pressure for 2 hours. ⋯ Leg elevation at 10 degrees in the 30-degree head-up position was effective for reducing body displacement at the acromion; it was not effective for reducing sacral interface pressures.