Skin temperature of different body areas of the elderly without risk for pressure ulcer

Abstract

Objective: to identify the skin temperature of different body areas of elderly inpatients at a surgical clinic unit without risk of developing pressure injuries from the Braden Scale. Method: descriptive correlational study, with cross-sectional design, conducted at a surgical clinic unit of a university hospital from May to October 2017, with 84 patients. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: the sacral region presented the highest mean temperature and the right calcaneus, the lowest. There is no difference in skin temperature between the right and left sides in the scapulae, trochanters and calcaneus; between the sexes and races. When measured from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the temperature of the calcaneus was lower than when measured from 1:01 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the calcaneus region. Conclusion: the sacral region presents the highest mean skin temperature in relation to the areas measured. There is symmetry between the body sides.

Keywords

• enfermagem
• pele
• temperatura cutânea
• lesão por pressão
• hospitalização
• grupos etários.