Pressure Injuries Among Critical Care Patients

Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2020 Dec;32(4):573-587. doi: 10.1016/j.cnc.2020.08.007. Epub 2020 Oct 7.

Abstract

Nutrition is an important component in the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries. Although the point at which insufficient nutrient consumption affects the body's capability to support skin integrity has not been demarcated, what is known is that reduced intake of food and fluids/water and weight loss can increase the risk of developing pressure injuries. Protein and its building blocks, amino acids, are essential for tissue growth and repair during all phases of wound healing. Sufficient macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fats, and water) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are vital for the body to support tissue integrity and prevent breakdown.

Keywords: International guideline; Macronutrients; Micronutrients; Nutrients; Nutrition; Pressure injury; Protein.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Critical Care*
  • Humans
  • Micronutrients / administration & dosage
  • Nutrients / administration & dosage
  • Nutritional Status*
  • Pressure Ulcer* / prevention & control
  • Pressure Ulcer* / therapy
  • Wound Healing*

Substances

  • Micronutrients