Respiratory device-related pressure injuries in hospitalised adults: An integrative review

J Clin Nurs. 2023 Sep;32(17-18):5923-5937. doi: 10.1111/jocn.16717. Epub 2023 Apr 10.

Abstract

Objective: To identify the main ventilatory support medical devices related to the occurrence of pressure injuries in hospitalised adults, as well as the most frequent anatomical localisations of these injuries.

Methods: The Integrative review was registered at Open Science Framework as per DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/P3NTZ. Two independent reviewers, in May 2022, searched the databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, LILACS and CINAHL; no language or publication year restriction. The review question was: What are the ventilatory support medical devices that cause PIs in hospitalised adults more often? The terms for searching the database were: "adult," "noninvasive ventilation," "artificial respiration." and "pressure injury," and their synonyms. This review followed the PRISMA checklist.

Results: The final sample was 21 articles. Oxygen nasal catheters caused up to 40.7% of the pressure injuries by ventilatory support devices identified, all in the ears. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation oronasal masks presented an incidence of pressure injuries of 63.3%. The nasal bridge was the site most affected by this mask. The Set of Holders for Insight® endotracheal tubes was the device that caused the most pressure injuries, with an incidence of 75%, affecting lip commissure. Tracheostomy cannula accounted for 18.2% of the pressure injuries related to ventilatory support devices; all lesions were in the neck.

Conclusion: The ventilatory support devices causing pressure injuries and the most affected sites were, respectively, nasal catheters, ears; masks, nasal bridge; endotracheal tubes, lip commissures; tracheostomy cannulas, neck.

Relevance for clinical practice: Knowing which respiratory devices cause pressure injuries more often in hospitalised adults and which anatomical localisations are more likely to be affected is fundamental for adopting preventive measures and reducing the occurrence of this problem.

No patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution because of the review.

Keywords: adult; artificial respiration; noninvasive ventilation; pressure injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal
  • Noninvasive Ventilation*
  • Oxygen
  • Pressure Ulcer* / epidemiology
  • Pressure Ulcer* / etiology
  • Respiration, Artificial

Substances

  • Oxygen