Thesis (M.Sc.)-Cairo University -Faculty of Nursing - Department of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Sciences.

Bibliography: p. 84-91.

Pressure ulcers represent a major health problem particularly in critically ill patients whose nutritional status is negatively affected by illness. Therefore, careful assessment and monitoring of critically ill patients are important nursing considerations. Aim of this study is to assess the relationship between nutritional status and occurrence of pressure ulcers among adult critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals. A descriptive correlational research design was utilized in this study. Research questions were: 1-What is the nutritional status of adult critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals? 2- Is there a relationship between nutritional status and pressure ulcer development among adult critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals? The study was carried out at Different intensive care units affiliated to Cairo University Hospitals. A purposive sample consisting of 90 patients was included. Three tools were used: Demographic and medical data sheet; Braden scale; and Derby nutritional assessment score. The Results showed that, nearly two thirds of the studied sample was not at risk of nutritional deficiency in different assessment times in percentage of (58.2%, 55.6%, 62.2%%, 66.6%, & 61.1%) respectively. More than half of studied sample had varying degrees of pressure ulcers (ranging from mild to high risk in the first, second, and fourth assessment in percentages of (52.2%, 52.2%, & 63.9%) respectively. Also, (69.2%) of the studied sample had mild - moderate risk of developing pressure ulcers at the fifth assessment time. Pressure ulcer development didn’t differ significantly in relation to gender and body mass index (BMI) (X 2 = 1.875, P<0.759, X 2 = 5.639, P< 0.688). A strong negative significant statistical correlation was found between nutritional status and risks of developing pressure ulcer (r = - 0.761, P<0.000). Based on finding it can be concluded that varying degrees of pressure ulcers affected more than half of the studied sample, with a negative association between pressure ulcer development and nutritional status. Age, immobility, medications and overweight represented significant determinants of patients’ readiness for developing pressure ulcers. The study recommends that, regular and careful assessment of critically ill patients’ nutritional status; frequent skin assessment for prevention, and early detection of pressure ulcers; availability of written guidelines, and booklets about early detection and management of pressure ulcers.