الفهرس 
Title : Relationship between Nutritional Status and Pressure Ulcer Development among Critically Ill Patients
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Abstract
Pressure ulcers represent a major health problem particularly in critically ill patients whose
nutritional status is negatively affected by illness. Therefore, careful assessment and
monitoring of critically ill patients are important nursing considerations. Aim of this study
is to assess the relationship between nutritional status and occurrence of pressure ulcers
among adult critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals. A descriptive correlational
research design was utilized in this study. Research questions were: 1-What is the
nutritional status of adult critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals? 2- Is there a
relationship between nutritional status and pressure ulcer development among adult
critically ill patients at Cairo University Hospitals? The study was carried out at Different
intensive care units affiliated to Cairo University Hospitals. A purposive sample consisting
of 90 patients was included. Three tools were used: Demographic and medical data sheet;
Braden scale; and Derby nutritional assessment score. The Results showed that, nearly two
thirds of the studied sample was not at risk of nutritional deficiency in different assessment
times in percentage of (58.2%, 55.6%, 62.2%%, 66.6%, & 61.1%) respectively. More than
half of studied sample had varying degrees of pressure ulcers (ranging from mild to high
risk in the first, second, and fourth assessment in percentages of (52.2%, 52.2%, & 63.9%)
respectively. Also, (69.2%) of the studied sample had mild - moderate risk of developing
pressure ulcers at the fifth assessment time. Pressure ulcer development didn’t differ
significantly in relation to gender and body mass index (BMI) (X
2
= 1.875, P<0.759, X
2
=
5.639, P< 0.688). A strong negative significant statistical correlation was found between
nutritional status and risks of developing pressure ulcer (r = - 0.761, P<0.000). Based on
finding it can be concluded that varying degrees of pressure ulcers affected more than half
of the studied sample, with a negative association between pressure ulcer development and
nutritional status. Age, immobility, medications and overweight represented significant
determinants of patients’ readiness for developing pressure ulcers. The study recommends
that, regular and careful assessment of critically ill patients’ nutritional status; frequent skin
assessment for prevention, and early detection of pressure ulcers; availability of written
guidelines, and booklets about early detection and management of pressure ulcers.