CONHECIMENTO SOBRE PREVENÇÃO E TRATAMENTO DE ÚLCERAS DE PRESSÃO ENTRE TRABALHADORES DE ENFERMAGEM EM UM HOSPITAL DE MINAS GERAIS

This study aimed to identify nursing team’s knowledge on treatment and preventive measures of pressure ulcers at a hospital in the Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Fifteen nursing technicians and assistants from medical and surgical clinics participated in this study. The following preventive measures were identified in their answers: changes in the patients’ lying position (100%); moisturizing the skin with oil (60%); eggshell mattress (80%); cushion (40%); massage (20%), among others. As for treatments, coverings, medicines and solutions were quoted. As for the competence of these professionals, 33,3% stated that they followed medical prescription, and none of them quoted nursing prescription. The results of this study demonstrated that the nursing team in this hospital knows several recommended practices both for prevention and treatment of PU, although some mentioned old fashioned and misled behaviors. The team ignores nurses’ role in wound caring, pointing to the need of ongoing education.