Geriatric Nursing Care for Elderly Patients with Decubitus Ulcers at Daiwakai Nursing Home, Ishikawa, Japan

Abstract

Decubitus ulcers are injuries or death of skin tissue extending to the underlying tissues and even to the bone. Decubitus occurs due to continuous pressure on a specific area, leading to impaired blood circulation. Elderly individuals experience decreased activity, which increases the risk of developing decubitus ulcers. This decrease in activity can occur due to the aging process and weakness in muscles and nerves. The objective of this case study is to understand the description of nursing care for elderly patients experiencing decubitus ulcers and to prevent and reduce the incidence of decubitus ulcers through right and left lateral positioning every 2 hours. This type of research is descriptive, using a case study approach. The subject of this case study is a single patient (Mr. S) with decubitus ulcers resulting from impaired skin/tissue integrity, located on the third floor of Daiwakai Nursing Home in Ishikawa, Japan. The results of the study indicate the nursing diagnoses that emerged, which are: acute pain related to physical injury agents, impaired skin integrity related to mechanical factors, risk of infection evidenced by inadequate primary body defenses, and impaired physical mobility related to pain. The results of nursing care show that all emerging nursing diagnoses were addressed. The implementation of right and left lateral positioning every 2 hours for 3 consecutive days resulted in improved decubitus ulcer wounds and enhanced blood flow quality in the skin. The intervention of right and left lateral positioning every 2 hours, with the use of cushions as support, proved effective in reducing the incidence of worsening decubitus ulcers.