Pressure Ulcers

Pressure Ulcers

Identification of the Problem

Pressure ulcer is a condition in which an area of the skin is broken down as a result of something pressing or rubbing against the skin. When pressure is applied to the skin, it reduces the flow of blood to that area. When proper flow of blood does not reach the skin, it can die of the blood shortage. As a result of the pressure applied to the skin, an ulcer is formed. People who stay in bed for a long time or use a wheel chair can develop pressure ulcers easily. People who are aged, or are unable to move certain parts of their body due to a brain or spine injury, can also develop pressure ulcers. People who have diseases like vascular diseases or diabetes can also suffer from pressure ulcers. People having a fragile skin, or a condition which affects their mental status, like Alzheimer's disease, can also form pressure ulcers. Malnourishment and bowel and urinary incontinence can also cause pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers most commonly occur in hips, elbow, ankles, heels, back of head and the shoulders back (Bader et al, 2009). The area where a pressure ulcer forms turn into a blister, and then into an open sore. This paper will discuss how the state of pressure ulcers relate to the HFSON Conceptual Framework. It will also discuss the nursing practice role that relates to pressure ulcers. A potential legal issue related to the care of the medical surgical patient with pressure ulcers will also be discussed. And lastly, an evidence-based practice related to pressure ulcers will be discussed.

Relation of Pressure Ulcers to HFSON Conceptual Framework

The HFSON Conceptual Framework focuses its direction on the client, which may be a community, a family or an even an individual. The HFSON Conceptual Framework focuses on the client, and the relationship of the client with environment. The client is taken as a holistic being. The environment of a client affects his health. There are two types of environment, internal and external. The internal environment consists of the spiritual and bio-psychosocial components (Ameen et al, 2005). Whereas, the external environment consists of the conceptual, operational and the perceptual dimensions. The perceptual dimensions include stimuli which are perceived, like sound, sight, taste, odor, and touch. The conceptual dimensions include the value systems, ethnic and cultural traditions, religious beliefs, judgment and language.

One of the most important components of the conceptual dimensions is delivery of health care. Factors such as radioactivity, which are not perceived by the sense organs are part of the operational dimensions. The nursing client systems are of three types, community, family and individual. In case of an individual, the struggle is between maintaining a balance between the energy conservation and energy utilization. This helps in maintaining the health of the client, as well as, interacting with the environment (Berquist, 2005). In terms of a family, a client is critical in terms of the social integrity. It provides support, love, encouragement and life ...