Skin integrity in hospitalized infants and children: a prevalence survey

J Pediatr Nurs. 2006 Dec;21(6):445-53. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2006.07.002.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to describe the spectrum of alterations in skin integrity and skin care needs of hospitalized infants and children. A 1-day skin prevalence audit was conducted in the spring of 2005 in a tertiary care university-affiliated children's hospital. Patient skin was assessed for any alterations. The Braden Q Scale was used to assess patient risk for pressure ulcer development. Alterations in skin integrity included diaper dermatitis, pressure ulcers, intravenous infiltrations, device-related injuries, and epidermal injuries. Many patients required additional skin care, including wound/incision care, ostomy care, and care related to invasive devices. Alterations in skin integrity represent a serious problem in the pediatric inpatient setting. The data presented identify skin integrity challenges in the hospitalized patient and can help guide staff education and resource allocation, encourage evidenced-based management protocols, and serve as a benchmark for similar pediatric facilities.

MeSH terms

  • Benchmarking
  • Boston / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Hospitalized / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diaper Rash / epidemiology*
  • Diaper Rash / nursing
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Pediatric
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Nursing Audit
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Ostomy / adverse effects
  • Ostomy / nursing
  • Ostomy / statistics & numerical data
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Pressure Ulcer / epidemiology*
  • Pressure Ulcer / nursing
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Care
  • Total Quality Management
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / nursing