Purpose
This prospective study was conducted to determine the incidence and related characteristics of respiratory medical device-related pressure ulcers (MDRPU) in children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
Methods
The participants were 184 children who were admitted to the PICU of P University Hospital from April 2016 to January 2017. Data were collected on the occurrence of respiratory MDRPU and characteristics regarding the application of respiratory medical devices.
Results
Respiratory MDRPU occurred in 11.9% of participants (58.3%: stage I ulcers, 37.5%: mucosal ulcers). The devices associated with respiratory MDRPU were endotracheal tubes (54.2%), high-flow nasal cannulas (37.5%), and oximetry probes (8.3%). Respiratory MDRPU associated with an endotracheal tube were significant differences according to the site and strength of fixation, the use of a bite block and adhesive tape, skin dryness, and edema. In high-flow nasal cannulas, significant differences were found according to the site of fixation, immobility after fixation, and skin dryness.
Conclusion
The occurrence of respiratory MDRPU is significantly affected by the method and strength of fixation, as well as skin dryness and edema. Therefore, appropriate consideration of these factors in nursing care can help prevent respiratory MDRPU.

Citations

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  Erhan Elmaoğlu, Zerrin Çiğdem
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  Mi Hyeon Jo, Hye-Ran Choi
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  Hongyan Zhang, Yuxia Ma, Qing Wang, Xiujuan Zhang, Lin Han
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