OBJECTIVE: To identify the occurrence of stages II, III and IV pressure ulcers in patients undergoing elective surgery. METHODS: A quantitative approach, with non-experimental research design, of a descriptive and prospective type. The sample consisted of 148 adult patients of both genders, undergoing elective surgery, according to predetermined selection criteria. RESULTS: Of the sample evaluated, 108 patients were discharged from hospital, three patients died and 37 developed pressure ulcers. These patients presented 44 lesions, the majority of which were diagnosed as stage II (56.8%), followed by stage I (40.9%) and stage III (2.3%) lesions. The body areas most affected were the sacral / gluteal region (68.2%), the heels (18.1%), dorsal region (9%) and the external ear (4.6%). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of pressure ulcers was 25%, indicating the need for implementation of effective interventions for the prevention of these adverse events in the perioperative period.
Pressure ulcer; Perioperative nursing; Surgical procedures, elective; Incidence
