Pressure Ulcer In Nursing Essay

Homeostasis is when the tendency of the body seeks and maintains a condition of balance or equilibrium within its internal environment, even when faced with external changes (Waugh & Grant, 2014). Pressure ulcers are defined as localized injuries to the skin or underlying tissue that usually occur over a bony prominence as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear or friction which can break down the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2014).

Having worked within the community setting for the last eight years as a District Nursing assistant, I am currently undertaking the role of the trainee assistant practitioner. During this time I have had the opportunity to assess and plan care delivery for various patients that have developed pressure ulcers and I have therefore developed a keen interest in this area. This is my rationale for choosing a pressure ulcer so that I can further explore all aspects of the care process involved. The patient I have chosen to

I have had the opportunity to explore the physiological processes that are involved within the formation of pressure ulcers. This underpinning knowledge will be invaluable within my future role as an Assistant Practitioner as it provides an excellent evidence base to inform my clinical decisions. Pressure ulcers impact severely on patient’s health and wellbeing and furthermore promote significant economic burden within the NHS. It is essential as healthcare practitioners that we develop understanding regarding the risk factors that can promote the development of pressure ulcers and cause further deterioration to such wounds. This knowledge must incorporate how risk factors can impact on the process of homeostasis so that preventative care measures can be put in place to inhibit development or further wound