Assessment of risk for pressure ulcers using the Norton scale in nursing practice.

Purpose: The aim of our study was risk assessment for the development of pressure ulcers and thus defining a group of patients considered to be at risk of developing pressure ulcers. It also helped to define the role of the nurse in the early assessment of the risk for developing pressure ulcers.

Material and methods: Risk assessment for the development of pressure ulcers was carried out in 199 patients hospitalised in The District Hospital in Bielsk Podlaski. The research was carried out with patients admitted to The Departments of General Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Long-Term Care. Risk assessment for the development of pressure ulcers was performed with the aid of the Norton scale.

Conclusions: An increased risk for the development of pressure ulcers was found in more than half of the patients examined (53.8%). Pressure sores developed in 17.6% of the patients, women being at significantly greater risk. Risk assessment for the development of pressure ulcers with the aid of one of the recommended scales facilitates the early recognition of those patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers.