Development of pressure injuries in bedridden patients

Abstract

Pressure injuries in bedridden patients constitute an important health problem, as they are associated with prolonged immobility, continuous pressure on bony prominences, and the interaction of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that compromise the integrity of the skin and underlying tissues. This study aims to analyze the development of pressure injuries in bedridden patients, highlighting the main risk factors involved, the preventive strategies adopted in healthcare, and the role of the nursing team in this context. This is an integrative literature review with a descriptive nature and qualitative approach. The analysis showed that factors such as advanced age, nutritional deficit, moisture, friction, shear, comorbidities, reduced mobility, and functional dependence significantly increase the risk of developing these injuries. It was also found that prevention is the main measure to reduce incidence, making early risk assessment, use of the Braden Scale, regular repositioning, skin inspection, moisture control, and the use of appropriate support surfaces essential. In this process, the nursing team plays a central role by acting in the assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring of preventive and therapeutic care. It is concluded that the reduction of pressure injuries depends on qualified care, continuous professional training, and systematized care, aiming at patient safety, improvement of healthcare quality, and reduction of preventable complications.