Healthcare Problem Presentation By: Vannelyn Oriel 1 Problem Definition In this case, pressure ulcers is the problem that was identified. Pressure ulcers refer to injuries to the skin and underlying tissue and this is can be attributed to prolonged pressure on the skin. Today, pressure ulcers is increasingly becoming a major health concern globally. Healthcare systems worldwide continue to direct resources towards helping patients effectively and efficiently manage pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers is becoming a major health concern globally. It root cause is prolonged pressure on the skin. It mostly affects patients in hospitals. Few studies have focused on assessing this healthcare problem. It is a pattern that I would like to change to improve quality. 2 Pressure Ulcers According to data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), more than 2.5 million people in the U.S. develop pressure ulcers annually. Pressure ulcers especially among patients recovering in hospitals bring pain. The healthcare problem also leads to increased health care utilization. There is increase risk for serious infection among patients in hospitals. Overall, documented cases of pressure ulcers has been on an upward trend globally. In most cases, pressure ulcers develop among patients who have a specific health condition that limits their ability to change positions. 3 Symptoms and Causes of Pressure Ulcers There exist various symptoms and causes of pressure ulcers. The first symptom is unusual changes in a patient’s skin color or texture. Increased tenderness of skin areas. Swelling can be observed. Pus-like draining is another symptom. Bedsores can be categorized into different stages that cause pressure ulcers. Common areas for pressure ulcers Buttocks. Back of legs, and arms where a patient rests against the chair. Shoulder and spine. 4 Risk Factors Immobility for example, assuming a patient in hospital is using a wheelchair, they would apply pressure to specific parts such as buttocks leading to pressure ulcers. Incontinence where a patient’s skin becomes susceptible due to extended exposure to urine and stool. Poor diet and nutrition leading to lack of vitamins and minerals that can lead to a healthy skin. Patients with diabetes also have high risk of experiencing pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers if not well managed and treated among patients can lead to complications such as cancer, and bone and joint infections. 5 Description of the Problem Pressure ulcers is a major health concern in today’s nursing practice. Despite so, it is largely preventable in nature. The management of pressure ulcers relies on its severity. A study by Surg, 2015 established that cleaning of wound, using antibiotics, and undergoing reconstructive surgery were the present treatment options for pressure ulcers (Surg, 2015). However, there exist newer treatment options such as cell therapy, wound therapy and wound therapy. ...