Applying Standardized Terminologies in Practice, Research Paper Example

NANDA

The overall integrity of skin cells and surfaces depends on a number of factors that impact the improvement or decline of these surfaces in patients. Nurses working with patients at risk of one or more skin conditions must be thoroughly evaluated, including a comprehensive physical examination, in order to make a definitive diagnosis and to develop an effective treatment plan. Nurses must work collaboratively with patients in order to determine the severity of their condition, the risks involved, and the development of a treatment plan that will provide the most feasible opportunity for patient recovery. This process requires a high level understanding of the different elements that impact pressure ulcer development and the identification of a pressure ulcer in a patient.

The NANDA diagnosis for pressure ulcers is identified with the basic header “the state in which an individual’s skin is at risk of being adversely altered” (Klopp, Storey, & Bronstein, 2012). Under these conditions, some of the risk factors include age, limited mobility, poor nutrition, poor circulation, incontinence, and friction or pressure from different surfaces (Klopp et.al, 2012). These conditions represent a means of evaluating the different possibilities associated with this risk, including those factors that will increase patient risk and contribute to poor outcomes for patients over time. This is an important reminder of the different needs that patients possess, particularly as older adults, and how they are supported by nurse-led evaluations and interventions that will have a lasting impact on outcomes in their lives. Most importantly, a patient who exhibits any of the aforementioned risk factors will require a thorough evaluation and treatment plan upon diagnosis. This will enable the patient to receive the proper treatment and the appropriate considerations in order to accomplish the desired objectives of the chosen treatment strategy.

Nursing Interventions Classification

For patients who face a high risk of pressure ulcers, it is important to develop a strategy that will encompass a variety of different ideas and approaches to treatment upon diagnosis. This process requires an understanding of the elements that are required to ensure that patients receive the proper care and treatment at all times and that they are properly prepared to receive the tools required to recover from this condition. Therefore, a classification system is required in order to ensure that patients receive effective interventions for this diagnosis that will aid in their recovery process (Lucena et.al, 2012). In this context, there are several nursing interventions to be considered, including but not limited to pressure management, skin surveillance, and pressure ulcer prevention (Lucena et.al, 2012). In this context, there must be considerable attention paid to the different issues comprise the risk of pressure ulcers and the options that are available to support patients who face these risks (Lucena et.al, 2012).

There are significant challenges related to the development of other factors that impact patient care and provide opportunities for recovery to patients with pressure ulcers who require treatment in this capacity (Lucena et.al, 2012). Most importantly, patients with a risk of developing pressure ulcers require a significant level of support and guidance in order to treat this condition effectively and to prevent future pressure ulcers from forming in these patients (Lucena et.al, 2012). This practice requires an understanding of the different elements that contribute to proper patient classification and understanding of the condition and how it poses a risk to patients (Lucena et.al, 2012). In this context, it is important to identify the challenges that are associated with patient care and treatment and to properly classify patients to receive the proper intervention and treatment in accordance with the required specifications and nursing-based evidence related to this practice environment (Lucena et.al, 2012).

Nursing Outcomes Classification

The incidence or risk of pressure ulcers also requires an examination of the potential outcomes associated with this classification and how to address the condition as effectively as possible. Based upon the stages associated with pressure ulcers, it is necessary to evaluate the conditions under which there are significant opportunities to properly diagnose and treat patients effectively so that they have the proper modes of recovery. By using the standards set forth by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), there are several stages to consider that require further consideration, such as Stage 1: Non-blanchable erythema; Stage II: Partial thickness; Stage III: Full thickness and skin loss; and Stage IV: Full thickness tissue loss (NPUAP, 2014).

For patients with skin integrity risks and possible pressure ulcers, outcomes will depend upon some of the risk factors previously mentioned, such as age, medications, nutrition, mobility, moisture, and pressure, among others (Nursing Interventions and Rationales, 2014). Therefore, it is important to identify the possible risks associated with this practice and to determine the best possible approach to managing outcomes that requires significant attention and focus from nurses. It is expected that with the proper diagnosis and intervention plan, it is likely that patients will experience improved outcomes and a greater chance for recovery, given their overall risk factors and other difficulties that may impact their overall health status. Therefore, it is important to identify the resources that are required to accomplish these objectives and to be proactive in supporting patient needs through the proper diagnosis, intervention, and treatment plan that will best accommodate their needs in an effective manner over time.

References

Klopp, A., Storey, V.M., & Bronstein, K.S. (2012). Skin integrity, impaired: risk for – pressure sores; pressure ulcers, bed sores; decubitus care. Retrieved from http://www1.us.elsevierhealth.com/MERLIN/Gulanick/archive/Constructor/gulanick47.html

Lucena, A.D.F, Bavaresco, T., & Fortes, P. (2012). Nursing interventions for patients with risk for pressure ulcer: validation study. Retrieved from http://kb.nanda.org/article/AA-00642/0/Nursing-interventions-for-patients-with-risk-for-pressure-ulcer%3A-validation-study-.html

National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (2014). NPUAL pressure ulcer stages/categories. Retrieved from http://www.npuap.org/resources/educational-and-clinical-resources/npuap-pressure-ulcer-stagescategories/

Nursing Interventions and Rationales (2014). Impaired skin integrity. Retrieved from http://nursinginterventionsrationales.blogspot.com/2013/07/impaired-skin-integrity.html