Pressure Ulcers, Article Critique Example

An article by Bluestein & Javaheri (2008) addresses the significance of pressure ulcers, the predetermining factors, how to prevent this condition, the documentation that is required to evaluate the condition, and the treatments that are available. This article begins with the causes of pressure ulcers, which include pressure that persists for a period of time that results in local tissue damage (Bluestein & Javaheri, 2008). The article also considers the various risks factors that are associated with pressure ulcers, including but not limited to limited mobility, sedation, poor nutrition, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, dementia, aging of the skin, and pressure from a given surface, such as a wheelchair (Bluestein & Javaheri, 2008). Patient interventions include methods to alleviate pressure, such as repositioning patients and the use of specialized mattresses and alternating pressure devices (Bluestein & Javaheri, 2008). In addition, proper nutrition and skin care must be implemented on a regular basis in order to improve outcomes for patients as best as possible, given the conditions that are available (Bluestein & Javaheri, 2008).

The assessment section of the article addresses the importance of the medical evaluation, including any prior history with ulcers, along with factors that are related to specific vulnerabilities for pressure ulcers and the prevalence of signs of ulceration, such as infection, odor, or necrosis (Bluestein & Javaheri, 2008). There is also a discussion of nutritional needs and the different types of ulcer management alternatives that are available, such as a comprehensive care approach to treatment between physicians and other providers, pain assessment methods, mechanical debridement, and proper dressing for wounds to promote proper healing as best as possible, given the circumstances of the ulcer and the damage that has been incurred (Bluestein & Javaheri, 2008). Physicians must be able to provide adequate knowledge and expertise regarding these events to promote effective treatment and healing over the long term (Bluestein & Javaerhi, 2008).

Journal Critique

This journal article provides an important summary of the different types of issues that must be considered for patients who have pressure ulcers or who are at risk of developing these ulcers due to a variety of circumstances. These efforts require individuals to take the steps that are required to ensure that assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are effective in enhancing the needs of this population and in determining the best possible courses of action that will have a positive and lasting impact on patient outcomes. These practices are essential to the discovery of new ideas and approaches to improve patient care and to reflect upon the challenges that are related to treating this population with a difficult condition. Based upon the content of the article, the authors have been successful in getting their points across and in enabling the reader to have a better understanding of the complexities of pressure ulcers and how they impact health and wellbeing in patients who are at risk of developing these ulcers.

It is also important to note that the article provides relevant information for the gerontology community because it supports a more detailed understanding of pressure ulcers, a term that is used often regarding older adults but is not well understood in many circles. This information is relevant because it captures the difficulties and challenges of pressure ulcers and how they impact patients’ quality of life. The article conveys the serious nature of pressure ulcers and the risks that are involved, and it also represents the diagnostic and treatment issues related to pressure ulcers rather effectively. The article essentially serves as a summary of pressure ulcers and the different needs and opportunities that are available to support patient outcomes effectively.

References

Bluestein, D., & Javaheri, A. (2008). Pressure ulcers: prevention, evaluation, and management.  American Family Physician, 78(10), 1186-1194, 1195-1196.