title: Occurrence of skin lesions/conditions in ill persons.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the occurrence of common skin lesions that potentially may be misdiagnosed as a pressure ulcer, and to examine the characteristics of ill persons who have these skin changes. This was a prospective, descriptive study which included five acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, and a home care agency. Results indicated that patients with skin lesions/conditions were significantly older and had longer lengths of stay, more diseases, lower Braden Scale scores, and lower serum albumin levels. Nurses must gain knowledge about identifying and treating skin conditions. Assessment of the patient's skin should occur throughout their length of stay.
authors.affiliation: Wayne State University, College of Nursing, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pieper
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sugrue
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weiland
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sprague
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Heimann
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing