Introduction
Prevention of bed sores is one of the main issues that health facilities deal with when taking care of bedridden patients. Nurses play an integral role in the care of these patients. Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring is an important theory that helps in the creation of a good environment in the care of all patients. The concepts of this theory are also essential in the prevention of bedsores among bedridden patients.
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Use of Special Mattresses
Patients with reduced mobility usually face unique challenges in the hospital set up. Conditions that may lead to reduced mobility in patients include severe traumatic head injuries, traumatic hip joint dislocation, terminal cancer, spinal injuries, and extreme old age, among others. Patients with reduced mobility are forced to be bedridden for extended periods of time, which exposes them to increased risk of developing others serious conditions. These conditions include development of muscle contractures and bed sores. Bed sores are particularly of significant concern because they are difficult to manage. Bed sores, also commonly known as pressure ulcers, always develop on bony prominences that the patient lies on for long periods. They causes by compromised blood supply to the areas that are compressed when the pressure lies on them. The wounds that develop are also difficult to manage because the reduced supply of blood to the affected areas compromise the rate of healing. These pressure ulcers contribute to significant morbidity and mortality for many patients who are bedridden.
One of the best ways of prevention of pressure sores is through institution of regular checking of the patients, as well as the use of alternating pressure mattresses. Frequent checking of the patients helps to address any complaints that patients may have on time. The use of alternating pressure mattresses helps to reduce on the counter-pressure that is applied on the patient by the surface they are lying on (Nixon et al., 2019). These special mattresses have special chambers that are alternatively filled with pressured air to help in alternating areas where the patient has maximum contact and pressure with the mattress. As such, the help to prevent specific areas being under pressure for a long time. These measures help to reduce the risk of development of pressure ulcers.
Nursing Concept in Watson’s Theory of Caring
Nursing is one of the main concepts that Jean Watson advances in her theory of nursing care. This concept is defined as the concept that is concerned with preventing illness, promoting health, and caring for those who are sick in an attempt to restore health (Rosa et al., 2020). Nurses play a critical role in taking care of all kinds of patients in healthcare facilities. Caring for the sick is the utmost duty that nurses should take. Patients usually go to healthcare facilities to look for quality care that can rehabilitate their health.
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As such, it is the duty of a nurse to carry out the task of caring for patients with the highest level of attention. Promotion of health involves coordinating with patients so that they are at the center of their own healthcare. This involves patient education in various areas of health in order to improve their status of health (Rosa et al., 2020). In the case of bedridden patients, the role of nursing is central in the prevention and care of the patients. There is need for the concept of nursing to be fully integrated in the care for patients who have limited mobility. This approach would ensure that they face reduced risk of developing pressure sores.
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Prevention of Bed Sores by Implementing Frequent Turning of Patients
Although the use of special mattresses play a crucial part in the prevention of pressure sores, it is important to look for other ways through which the approach can be improved. As the nurses are at the center of patient care, more options that focus on the roles of nurses should be implemented. One of these measures involves the employment of frequent turning of the patients in order to prevent them from sleeping in one position for long periods (Andersen, 2019). Frequent turning has been praised as one of the most important measures in the prevention of pressure sores. Applying this method has more advantages to the patient beyond prevention of pressure ulcers. One of these advantages is that it helps to give the patient an opportunity to rest. Bedridden patients experience a lot of exhaustion from lying in a single position for a long time. Patients who are turned frequently have a reduced risk of having bed sores, which helps to reduce their hospital stay, as well as reduce readmissions into centers of care. The Watson carative factor that is highly applicable in this case is that of the promotion of interpersonal teaching-learning experience for the nurses. This approach helps to reinforce the need to embrace a number of techniques to aid in patient care.
Using the Concepts of Nursing and Teaching-Learning Experience
The concept of nursing, as well as the engagement in interpersonal teaching-learning experience among nurses is critical in management of bedridden patients. The two concepts need to be applied in a manner that is measurable in order to assess their effectiveness in the clinical set up. Nursing helps to ensure that patients receive the best care in hospital. The role of the nurse in the care of the bedridden patient, as well as in the promotion of health and prevention of worsening of the patient’s condition is paramount. The role of the nurse should be harnessed to the full benefit of the patient. The concept of teaching-learning is crucial in the enhancement of the skills and expertise of the nurse. The nurse should be taught on the latest and most effective approaches in the management of the patients. This involves teaching nurses on the need to prevent bed sores, as well as how to prevent them. In turn, the nurses should communicate this information to patients in order for them to appreciate all the interventions applied in their care. The benefits of this approach can be assessed through the demonstration of reduced incidences of development of bed sores among patients. The two concepts should be applied simultaneously for the best results.
Conclusion
Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring is a central theory that has a huge application in the management of all patients. Pressure sores usually develop in bedridden patients who are forced to lie in the bed for a long period of time. Prevention of these ulcers helps in the prevention of increased morbidity and mortality. Watson’s concepts such as nursing an teaching-learning experience play an important role in empowering nurses to take care of all patients who are at risk of contracting bed sores.
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