WGU D219 Evidence-Based Practice Task 1:
Preventing Pressure Injuries |Passed on First
Attempt |Latest Update with Complete
Solution
Preventing Pressure Injuries with Evidence-Based Practice
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
D219: Scholarship in Nursing Practice
March 19, 2025
Preventing Pressure Injuries with Evidence-Based Practice
Impact of the Problem on the Patient
Pressure injuries are a significant concern in healthcare, and prevention is critical. These injuries
can have a severe impact on patients, particularly deep tissue pressure wounds, which can cause
immense pain, discomfort, and distress, leading to a decline in the patient's overall well-being
and quality of life. Patients with pressure injuries may experience difficulty performing daily
activities and require assistance with mobility. Additionally, pressure injuries can result in
extended hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and the need for specialized equipment and
care, leading to significant financial burdens.
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Research published in the Journal of the New York State Nurses Association indicates that the
economic impact of sacral hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) can be substantial, with
the cost of treatment twice as much as the cost of prevention strategies (Blagrove, 2023).
Pressure injuries can also lead to severe complications, such as infection and sepsis, that can be
life-threatening, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. Pressure injuries are associated
with higher mortality rates, both during hospitalization and up to 30 days after discharge
(Fullbrook et al., 2019). According to Blagrove (2023), patients who develop hospital-acquired
pressure injuries have extended stays in the hospital by an average of seven days and increased
mortality rates from 1.8% to 9.1%. Furthermore, pressure injury-related mortality rates account
for 11.6% of all hospital deaths, which is approximately 60,000 deaths annually in the United
States (Blagrove, 2023).
Impact of the Problem on the Organization
Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are highly preventable and are considered an
adverse event that can have severe negative impacts on healthcare organizations. These injuries
can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased medical care, and the need for specialized
equipment, all of which increase overall healthcare costs. Furthermore, treating pressure injuries
may require additional specialized resources, including skilled nursing staff, wound care
specialists, and specialized equipment such as pressure-relieving mattresses. The development of
pressure injuries can also result in decreased patient satisfaction. Patients with pressure injuries
experience significant pain and discomfort, affecting their overall experience, leading to negative
patient feedback, lower satisfaction scores, and damage to the organization's reputation.
Additionally, their occurrence can affect the hospital's quality metrics and ratings, leading to
lower hospital ratings and reduced funding opportunities. It is important to note that pressure
injuries that develop during hospitalization are considered adverse events. These injuries can
lead to reduced hospital reimbursement rates, which can have significant financial implications