A study to identify a high risk profile for development of decubitus ulcers / by Cynthia Hill Johnson.

Author/creator Johnson, Cynthia Hill author.
Other author Garrett, Corre J., degree supervisor.
Other author East Carolina University. School of Nursing.
Format Theses and dissertations
Production1988.
Description65 [+5] leaves ; 28 cm.
Supplemental ContentAccess via ScholarShip
Subjects

SeriesSchool of Nursing thesis
School of Nursing thesis. UNAUTHORIZED
Summary The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the presence of these variables and decubitus ulcer development. The research question examined was: Are age, mobility, malnutrition, dehydration, heat, smoking habits, and psychological factors variables that influence the individual's adaptation, therefore increasing the risk of developing decubitus ulcers. Decubitus ulcers or pressure sores are a problem for the chronically ill, debilitated, disabled, and elderly. Their development is not a simple problem but occurs as a result of the interrelationship of a number of variables. The literature identifies many interventions for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers; however, one point is clear: prevention is unequivocally the best approach. The sample consisted of 100 subjects, age sixty-five and above, who had been hospitalized in a large tertiary care center for fifteen to thirty days within the last three years. The subjects were divided into two groups: those individuals who developed decubitus ulcers during their hospital stay, and those who did not. A tool developed for this study was used to collect the data. Results of the study indicate that a relationship exists between age, mobility, malnutrition, and pathological changes and the development of decubitus ulcers. No relationship was found between dehydration, heat, smoking habits, and psychological factors and the development of decubitus ulcers. The identification of variables which are highly correlated with the development of decubitus ulcers should assist nurses in the early recognition of high risk patients and help them institute interventions for prevention.
General noteSubmitted to the faculty of the School of Nursing.
General noteAdvisor: Corre Garrett
Dissertation noteM.S. East Carolina University 1988
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (leaves 58-65).
Genre/formAcademic theses.
Genre/formAcademic theses.
Genre/formThèses et écrits académiques.

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