title: Applicability of the prevention protocol of pressure ulcers in intensive care unit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The avoidance of pressure ulcers development in critically ill patients is a major nursing challenge. Prevention is thus relevant for assurance of high quality care. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Braden scale in intensive care unit patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective study based which evaluated all adult patients staying in the intensive care unit from July 14 to August 10, 2009. The data were collected using the Braden's scale by three examiners who identified the pressure ulcer development risk. The data were analyzed using the SAS Statistical Software. For determination of the examiners' rates degree of coincidence, the Kappa value was used (95%CI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Regarding the related risk factors: 36.4% had mild sensory perception impairment; 50.9% had occasionally moist skin; 97.3% bedfast; 39.1% had very limited mobility; 45% probably had inappropriate nutrition; 61.8% had friction and shear problems. An agreement between the examiners was identified for nutrition and physical activity (38.1% to 100.0%); the Kappa population zero hypothesis was rejected; a paired examiners agreement (41.7% to 100.0%) was identified for the items humidity and physical activity, and the Kappa values ranged from 0.13 to 1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These intensive care patients were identified to have increased risk of developing pressure ulcers. This tool was considered appropriate to support the implementation of preventive measures.
authors.affiliation: Hospital da Restauração da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Recife, PE, Brasil.
authors.forename: Emanuelly Wedja do Nascimento Lima E
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Hospital da Restauração da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Recife, PE, Brasil.
authors.forename: Raquell Alves de
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.affiliation: Hospital da Restauração da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Recife, PE, Brasil.
authors.forename: Elizandra Cássia de
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Enfermagem Nossa Senhora das Graças, Recife, PE, Brasil.
authors.forename: Viviane Tannuri Ferreira Lima
authors.initials: VT
authors.lastname: Falcão