Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Pressure ulcers remain a major and preventable healthcare concern, especially among bedridden patients in acute care and long-term care settings, where immobility and comorbidities significantly elevate risk. Despite advancements in assessment tools and clinical guidelines, delayed detection continues to contribute to poor outcomes, including infection, prolonged hospitalization, and increased healthcare expenditure. Nurses, who serve as the first line of patient monitoring, play a pivotal role in early identification through systematic skin assessments, risk stratification, documentation, and timely initiation of preventive strategies. However, studies indicate that inconsistent adherence to assessment protocols, insufficient clinical training, and increasing workload challenges frequently result in missed early-stage pressure ulcers. Early detection is vital because Stage I and II pressure ulcers are reversible when timely preventive interventions such as repositioning, moisture control, and nutritional optimization are applied. Evidence also highlights that validated assessment tools such as the Braden Scale significantly improve identification accuracy when used consistently by trained nurses. The purpose of this article is to explore the role of nurses in the early identification of pressure ulcers and to synthesize scientific findings that emphasize structured nursing assessments, risk-based screening, and multidisciplinary communication in preventing ulcer progression. Furthermore, strengthening nurse education, integrating evidence-based surveillance practices, and addressing institutional barriers may enhance the effectiveness of prevention programs. Overall, empowering nurses through standardized assessment frameworks and continuous training can substantially improve the early detection of pressure ulcers and reduce their associated complications among bedridden patients.