Registered nurses and enrolled nurses assessments of postoperative pain and risk for malnutrition and pressure ulcers in patients with hip fracture

SummaryThe aim of the study was to describe and compare registered (RNs’) and enrolled nurses’ (ENs’) assessments of postoperative pain, risk for malnutrition and pressure ulcers in patients with hip fracture. Furthermore, the aim was to describe and compare their perceptions of using assessment tools. Thirty-four (34) RNs and forty-three (43) ENs, working on orthopaedic wards in Sweden, took part in the study. The assessments were carried out on 82 patients with hip fracture. The assessment tools included the numerical rating scale (NRS), short-form nutritional assessment tool (MNA-SF), modified Norton scale (MNS) and pressure ulcer card. Many patients were assessed to be in postoperative pain and at possible risk for malnutrition. Around 50% were assessed as being at risk for pressure ulcer formation (PU). There is a difference between RNs and ENs assessments of patients’ postoperative pain, risk for malnutrition and PU. ENs assessed to a greater degree that patients were in intense pain currently. RNs assessed to a greater degree that patients had been in intense pain in the past 24 h. Single items on the tools showed differences. However, there was no statistically difference for MNA-SF screening score and MNS total score. ENs found it easier to assess postoperative pain with the NRS compared to RNs.