Advanced practicing nurses (APNs) play a significant role in medical care in all hospital units. Indeed, they participate in treating patients with a wide range of conditions, including traumas, falls, and advanced-degree pressure ulcers. Falls and concussions are among the most common causes of visiting emergency departments (ED) among the elderly (Blackmore et al., 2019). Pressure ulcers of the third and fourth stages usually develop in immobile patients after receiving severe traumas that require prolonged hospitalization. Acutely ill people who stay home under their caretakers’ supervision can also present to ED with pressure ulcers (Fulbrook et al., 2019). Although these accidents can negatively affect a hospital’s revenue, registered nurses (RNs) still need to care for these patients by taking measures to prevent further complications.
Since traumas and falls can result in long-term immobilization, these two conditions can be prerequisites for pressure ulcers, resulting in financial penalties for the hospital. It means that an increase in the number of admissions in these states may diminish healthcare organizations’ revenue (Fulbrook et al., 2019). However, it does not suggest that hospitals will refuse to admit such patients; they will utilize appropriate strategies to minimize complications.
Various traumas and falls require immediate intervention, and pressure ulcers need special care by APNs. Indeed, clinicians have specialized guidance and action plan in case of different types of traumas (Blackmore et al., 2019). Pressure ulcers that may develop within two hours after exposure to medical devices demand prompt evaluation by nurses because this condition can progress to advanced stages quickly (Fulbrook et al., 2019). Since these individuals are often malnourished and immobile, they have a higher chance of developing a skin infection. Thus, RNs should ensure that a protective dressing is placed, a patient is regularly turned, and protective cushions are applied. Overall, these actions are the routine procedures taken by APNs in any department to prevent damage from such injuries.
In summary, falls, traumas, and advanced-degree pressure injuries are common causes of emergency department visits that may be costly for the hospital but still require increased attention from registered nurses. In the case of various types of falls and traumas, RNs should follow particular guidelines to prevent further complications. Lastly, patients with pressure injuries also need special care from nurses because they are often immobile, severely underweight, and have higher risks of developing skin infections.
References
Blackmore, A. R., Leonard, J., Madayag, R., & Bourg, P. W. (2019). Using the trauma quality improvement program metrics data to enhance clinical practice. Journal of Trauma Nursing, 26(3), 121-127.
Fulbrook, P., Miles, S., & Coyer, F. (2019). Prevalence of pressure injury in adults presenting to the emergency department by ambulance. Australian Critical Care, 32(6), 509-514. Web.