Team Education and Collaboration

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 53 views

Nursing Care in Ny. S: Preventing Decubitus Wounds in Stroke Patients in the ICU Room at the University of North Sumatra, Medan

Introduction

Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs due to disorders of blood flow to the brain, which can cause permanent damage to the patient's neurological function. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke is defined as a neurological deficit caused by brain vessel disease, and not because of other factors. When blood flow is inhibited, patients can experience various symptoms, including paralysis, which is one of the main challenges in hospital treatment, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). In this article, we will discuss the importance of nursing care in preventing decubitus wounds in stroke patients in the ICU room at the University of North Sumatra, Medan.

The Importance of Nursing Care in Preventing Decubitus Wounds

Decubitus wounds, or often referred to as pressure wounds, is one of the serious effects that can arise due to immobility of stroke patients. This wound occurs due to prolonged emphasis on certain areas that come in direct contact with the surface of the bed. In patients with a stroke, the risk of developing decubitus wounds is very high, given their inability to move independently. Therefore, effective nursing care is the key to preventing the occurrence of decubitus wounds.

Analysis of Physical Mobilization Problems and Decubitus Wound Prevention

In the context of nursing care, the top priority is to identify and deal with the problem of physical mobilization in Ny. S, a stroke patient treated at the ICU. Physical mobilization includes all activities that involve body movements, ranging from changes in position to more complex rehabilitation. The inability of the patient to move can worsen health conditions and increase the risk of decubitus wounds. Therefore, proactive prevention strategies need to be applied since the beginning of treatment.

Strategies for Preventing Decubitus Wounds in Stroke Patients

Several strategic steps can be taken to prevent decubitus wounds in stroke patients in the ICU, including:

Risk Assessment

Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the risk of a decubitus wound by considering factors such as mobility status, skin condition, and patient nutrition is crucial in determining proper precautions. This assessment will help identify patients who are at high risk of developing decubitus wounds and require more frequent position changes and skin care.

Routine Position Changes

Changing the patient's position every 2 to 3 hours to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas is essential in preventing decubitus wounds. This can help distribute body burdens evenly and reduce the risk of prolonged suppression.

Use of Supportive Devices

Using supportive devices such as pillows, wedges, or mattresses can help support patients who cannot move independently. These devices can help reduce pressure on vulnerable areas and promote healing.

Skin Care

Maintaining the cleanliness and moisture of the patient's skin is essential in preventing decubitus wounds. This includes cleaning areas that are at risk and using creams or lotions to maintain skin health.

Adequate Nutrition

Ensuring good nutritional intake is crucial in supporting the healing of the patient's skin and general health. A balanced diet with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals is very important in preventing decubitus wounds.

Team Education and Collaboration

Involving the entire health team in providing education to the patient's family about the importance of mobilization and prevention of decubitus wounds is essential in creating a safer and more effective maintenance environment. This collaboration will help ensure that all team members are aware of the patient's needs and can work together to prevent decubitus wounds.

Conclusion

Preventing decubitus wounds in stroke patients in the ICU is a critical aspect of nursing care. By identifying and addressing the problem of physical mobilization, conducting risk assessments, and implementing preventive measures such as routine position changes, skin care, and adequate nutrition, nurses can play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of decubitus wounds and improving the quality of life of patients during intensive treatment. Comprehensive and sustainable nursing care will play a crucial role in ensuring patient recovery and prevent further complications.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis of physical mobilization problems and decubitus wound prevention, the following recommendations are made:

Conduct regular risk assessments to identify patients who are at high risk of developing decubitus wounds.
Implement routine position changes every 2 to 3 hours to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas.
Use supportive devices such as pillows, wedges, or mattresses to support patients who cannot move independently.
Maintain the cleanliness and moisture of the patient's skin through regular skin care.
Ensure good nutritional intake through a balanced diet with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Involve the entire health team in providing education to the patient's family about the importance of mobilization and prevention of decubitus wounds.

By implementing these recommendations, nurses can play a crucial role in preventing decubitus wounds in stroke patients in the ICU and improving the quality of life of patients during intensive treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nursing Care in Preventing Decubitus Wounds in Stroke Patients

Q: What is decubitus wound?

A: Decubitus wound, also known as pressure wound, is a type of wound that occurs due to prolonged pressure on a specific area of the body, usually the skin and underlying tissues. It is a common complication in patients who are immobile, such as stroke patients.

Q: What are the risk factors for developing decubitus wounds?

A: The risk factors for developing decubitus wounds include:

Immobility
Prolonged bed rest
Poor skin care
Malnutrition
Poor circulation
Age
Weight

Q: How can nurses prevent decubitus wounds in stroke patients?

A: Nurses can prevent decubitus wounds in stroke patients by:

Conducting regular risk assessments to identify patients who are at high risk of developing decubitus wounds
Implementing routine position changes every 2 to 3 hours to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas
Using supportive devices such as pillows, wedges, or mattresses to support patients who cannot move independently
Maintaining the cleanliness and moisture of the patient's skin through regular skin care
Ensuring good nutritional intake through a balanced diet with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals
Involving the entire health team in providing education to the patient's family about the importance of mobilization and prevention of decubitus wounds

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of decubitus wounds?

A: The signs and symptoms of decubitus wounds include:

Redness and swelling of the skin
Warmth and tenderness of the skin
Pain or discomfort
Open sores or ulcers
Foul odor

Q: How can nurses diagnose decubitus wounds?

A: Nurses can diagnose decubitus wounds by:

Conducting a physical examination of the patient's skin
Assessing the patient's medical history
Conducting a risk assessment to identify patients who are at high risk of developing decubitus wounds
Using diagnostic tools such as pressure mapping or ultrasound to assess the skin and underlying tissues

Q: What are the treatment options for decubitus wounds?

A: The treatment options for decubitus wounds include:

Debridement: removing dead tissue and bacteria from the wound
Dressing: applying a dressing to the wound to promote healing and prevent infection
Antibiotics: administering antibiotics to prevent or treat infection
Pain management: administering pain medication to manage pain and discomfort
Rehabilitation: providing physical therapy and rehabilitation to promote healing and prevent further complications

Q: How can nurses prevent decubitus wounds in patients with limited mobility?

A: Nurses can prevent decubitus wounds in patients with limited mobility by:

Conducting regular risk assessments to identify patients who are at high risk of developing decubitus wounds
Implementing routine position changes every 2 to 3 hours to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas
Using supportive devices such as pillows, wedges, or mattresses to support patients who cannot move independently
Maintaining the cleanliness and moisture of the patient's skin through regular skin care
Ensuring good nutritional intake through a balanced diet with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals
Involving the entire health team in providing education to the patient's family about the importance of mobilization and prevention of decubitus wounds

Q: What are the long-term consequences of decubitus wounds?

A: The long-term consequences of decubitus wounds include:

Chronic pain and discomfort
Limited mobility and function
Increased risk of infection and sepsis
Decreased quality of life
Increased healthcare costs

Q: How can nurses prevent decubitus wounds in patients with diabetes?

A: Nurses can prevent decubitus wounds in patients with diabetes by:

Conducting regular risk assessments to identify patients who are at high risk of developing decubitus wounds
Implementing routine position changes every 2 to 3 hours to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas
Using supportive devices such as pillows, wedges, or mattresses to support patients who cannot move independently
Maintaining the cleanliness and moisture of the patient's skin through regular skin care
Ensuring good nutritional intake through a balanced diet with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals
Involving the entire health team in providing education to the patient's family about the importance of mobilization and prevention of decubitus wounds

Q: What are the best practices for preventing decubitus wounds in stroke patients?

A: The best practices for preventing decubitus wounds in stroke patients include:

Conducting regular risk assessments to identify patients who are at high risk of developing decubitus wounds
Implementing routine position changes every 2 to 3 hours to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas
Using supportive devices such as pillows, wedges, or mattresses to support patients who cannot move independently
Maintaining the cleanliness and moisture of the patient's skin through regular skin care
Ensuring good nutritional intake through a balanced diet with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals
Involving the entire health team in providing education to the patient's family about the importance of mobilization and prevention of decubitus wounds

By following these best practices, nurses can play a crucial role in preventing decubitus wounds in stroke patients and improving the quality of life of patients during intensive treatment.