CONDUCTING A LITERATURE REVIEW

Respond to two  of your colleagues with a comment that asks for clarification, provides support for, or contributes additional information.

Tiesa Steen

      The major problem I identified in our hospital was the prevalence of pressure ulcers. To help provide additional information regarding this, I used the library to begin my search. To start my search, I chose  CINAHL PLUS and  Education source as my databases as they focus specifically on nursing and provide more scholarly articles related to my topic. I started by researching "pressure ulcers" to narrow my search only to mention pressure ulcers. While there were many articles related to pressure ulcers, I needed specific articles that referenced the Braden scale as well. So, I utilized the second box to include the "Braden scale" in conjunction with pressure ulcers. While several methods play a role in preventing ulcers, such as turning patients, providing heel lift boots, etc., the Braden scale aids in providing a passive preventative method to prevent ulcers. As cited in a  Relation between the diagnosis of pressure injury risk and the Braden scale, using a validated measurement scale and nursing diagnoses expands critical thinking about the reasons that heighten the risk of developing pressure injuries (Almeida, 2021). I also used Google as one of my search engines as it is easy to use and provides thousands of databases regarding pressure ulcers and the Braden scale. Though Google is broad for searching articles, it can be very beneficial if you know how to narrow down your search.  

       Surprisingly, there were quite a few articles regarding pressure ulcers and the Braden scale. There were 450 results related to my topic. Since there were so many articles regarding my subject, I felt confident in my search. While many believe that the Braden scale has no impact on preventing ulcers, it does because it provides insight into potential patients who are at risk based on mobility, age, physicality, etc. Most nurses do not accurately assess skin. They chart based on what the previous nurse charted, which puts patients at greater risk because no one is looking at their skin. It should be assessed on admission and each shift and documented accordingly. A study conducted at Government Stanly Medical College and hospital concluded that the Braden scale was highly significant and highly predictive in predicting pressure sores (A.J., 2020). Of course, the Braden scale alone is not an active participant in the actual care of patients, so nurses are expected to assess and turn patients every two hours, provide preventative methods, and keep them clean and dry to prevent any breakdown. The Braden scale should be used to ensure nurses assess patients accordingly and classify them based on whether they are low risk, moderate risk, or high risk for skin issues.  

       My search related to pressure ulcers and the Braden scale was relatively easy as it is a well-known issue that persists today. I am confident in navigating the library as I have used it for previous courses. It is also beneficial that if challenges arise, the library has a "ask a librarian" tool to assist with any questions. Pressure ulcers are an ongoing issue, and further research must be conducted to determine how best to prevent them from occurring. My workplace is helpful in answering questions I may have. If I need help with my research, I will go to our unit educator, who typically points us in the right direction regarding inquiries related to policies and procedures. She has her master's degree and is very knowledgeable on topics related to nursing. Another resource would be my friends who are in school online for their NP. This is helpful because most are further in their programs and have done similar work regarding research. I have a considerable number of resources to guide me through the program. 

Reference 

de Araujo Almeida, A. G., Pascoal, L. M., Tavares Palmeira Rolim, I. L., Stabnow Santos, F., Santos Neto, M., & Lima de Melo, L. P. (2021). Relation between the diagnosis of pressure injury risk and the Braden scale. Revista Enfermagem UERJ, 29, 1–9.  https://doi.org/10.12957/reuerj.2021.61666 Links to an external site.  

R., A. J., & J., K. (2020). A study on predictive value of pressure sore by the Braden scale in surgical intensive care units.  International Archives of Integrated Medicine,  7(10), 100– 105.