Air support therapy: ethical considerations.

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are a major health problem for the elderly population in the United States. Billion of health care dollars are spent for hospitalization, air support therapy, wound care products, and nursing care. In addition, the cost in human suffering is priceless. Many patients with pressure ulcers have several chronic diseases that make wound healing difficult. Nurses must begin to examine the ethical principles that guide their care of these patients. This article focuses on some ethical issues related to the care of patients with pressure ulcers and the difficulties encountered with pressure ulcer care. Careful analysis of the goals of pressure ulcer treatment may help nurses develop ethical guidelines to direct them in the care of these patients.