C361 WGU- MLM1 – Performance
Assessment 1 Evidence Based Practice
Applied Research Kaylie Thacker
1
C361 - MLM1 – Performance Assessment 1
Kaylie Thacker
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
C361: Evidence-Based Practice and Applied Nursing
Research Sharon Brown
, 2
C361 - MLM1 – Performance Assessment 1
Impact of the Problem on the Patient
Decubitus ulcers, otherwise known as pressure ulcers or bedsores are a breakdown of the
skin and tissue due to prolonged pressure on the skin. The ulcers form when there is a decrease
in blood flow to certain parts of the body which leads to tissue damage. There are stages of
decubitus ulcers and knowing the symptoms can help prevent further damage to the tissue.
There are also certain risk factors for decubitus ulcers. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine,
“Pressure injuries are most likely to occur in older adults, particularly those who live in nursing
homes. Studies show that more than 1 in 10 nursing home residents have suffered from a
bedsore.” (Pressure Ulcers, 2019).
Impact of the Problem on the Organization
The impact of decubitus ulcers on the organization is a big deal. The nursing staff is
required to do skin assessments on patients, ensuring that they are turning patients every so often
depending on the hospital policy and making sure that the patient is getting out of bed or having
PT evaluate the patient. It is very costly to the organization if staff is not following
comprehensive skin assessments or documenting any incoming ulcers that were present before
the patient was admitted. Many organizations also have a wound care team that plays a large
role in the prevention of pressure ulcers, this is a group of nurses that are being paid to help
prevent ulcers so if the incidence of pressure ulcers in the hospital setting is on the rise then
money in that department is being wasted.
Assessment 1 Evidence Based Practice
Applied Research Kaylie Thacker
1
C361 - MLM1 – Performance Assessment 1
Kaylie Thacker
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
C361: Evidence-Based Practice and Applied Nursing
Research Sharon Brown
, 2
C361 - MLM1 – Performance Assessment 1
Impact of the Problem on the Patient
Decubitus ulcers, otherwise known as pressure ulcers or bedsores are a breakdown of the
skin and tissue due to prolonged pressure on the skin. The ulcers form when there is a decrease
in blood flow to certain parts of the body which leads to tissue damage. There are stages of
decubitus ulcers and knowing the symptoms can help prevent further damage to the tissue.
There are also certain risk factors for decubitus ulcers. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine,
“Pressure injuries are most likely to occur in older adults, particularly those who live in nursing
homes. Studies show that more than 1 in 10 nursing home residents have suffered from a
bedsore.” (Pressure Ulcers, 2019).
Impact of the Problem on the Organization
The impact of decubitus ulcers on the organization is a big deal. The nursing staff is
required to do skin assessments on patients, ensuring that they are turning patients every so often
depending on the hospital policy and making sure that the patient is getting out of bed or having
PT evaluate the patient. It is very costly to the organization if staff is not following
comprehensive skin assessments or documenting any incoming ulcers that were present before
the patient was admitted. Many organizations also have a wound care team that plays a large
role in the prevention of pressure ulcers, this is a group of nurses that are being paid to help
prevent ulcers so if the incidence of pressure ulcers in the hospital setting is on the rise then
money in that department is being wasted.
