Relation between the diagnosis of pressure injury risk and the Braden scale

Abstract

Objective: to determine the frequency of the components of the nursing diagnosis of risk of pressure injury and their relation with the Braden scale. Method: in 2020 and 2021 this cross-sectional study performed a descriptive and analytical investigation of 105 patients in an intensive care unit who were at risk of developing pressure injury. The study was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: the risk factor, population at risk and associated condition with the highest frequencies were, respectively, reduced mobility (99.0%), extremes of age (39.0%) and anemia (46.7%). Patients who presented shear forces, history of stroke, physical immobility, impaired cognitive function, and sensory impairment scored lower on the Braden scale. Conclusion: use of a validated measurement scale and nursing diagnoses expands critical thinking in nursing about the reasons that heighten the risk of developing pressure injuries. Descriptors: Intensive Care Units; Nursing Diagnosis; Pressure Ulcer; Risk Factors.