How to identify and categorise a pressure ulcer.

Abstract

Rationale and key points: Pressure ulcers are considered a preventable harm, therefore all patients receiving care from a healthcare professional should be screened for risk of pressure ulcers. This includes undertaking a skin inspection to identify areas at risk of, or with existing, pressure ulcers. This 'How to' article explains how to identify and categorise a pressure ulcer using a validated classification system. Nurses undertaking this procedure must ensure they have the knowledge and skills to do so effectively and work within the limits of their competence. • Pressure ulcers can have significant adverse effects on patients' quality of life, potentially resulting in hospital admission, increased length of hospital stay and increased risk of mortality and are costly for healthcare services. • Undertaking an effective skin inspection requires the nurse to be able to distinguish between a potential pressure ulcer and a different type of skin injury, and to be able to recognise and subsequently categorise a pressure ulcer. • Where a pressure ulcer is identified, accurate categorisation using a validated classification tool is essential to assess the severity of the injury and to inform appropriate prevention and management strategies. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when identifying and categorising a pressure ulcer. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or enable colleagues to reflect on the appropriate procedure for identifying and categorising a pressure ulcer.