Nursing assessment of patient's skin

A bedsore is an area of skin injury or breakdown that can occur when people lie in one position for an extended period of time – as little as a few hours - without shifting positions. These wounds are not only uncomfortable, but they can also become infected, leading to further complications. If identified early, many decubitus ulcers can be successfully treated to avoid complication. In order to prevent bedsores, nurses perform a careful assessment of patients’ skin every day.

Not all pressure ulcers can be prevented, but many can, so it’s important for hospital staff to make sure that early development of bedsores is treated promptly. Regular evaluation of skin is part of that process.

About this measure

This measure tracks the percent of time that nurses perform and document a skin assessment at the proper frequency.

Note: In this measure, a higher number is better.