Knowledge and competence of nurses and prevalence of pressure ulcers in stroke patients

<p><strong>Introduction. </strong>Pressure ulcers are frequent complications among immobile neurological patients, particularly those with stroke. Nursing knowledge and consistent implementation of preventive measures play a crucial role in reducing their occurrence. The aims of this study are to assess nurses&rsquo; knowledge, attitudes and self-reported competence in pressure ulcer prevention and care, and to describe the prevalence and short-term healing outcomes of pressure ulcers&nbsp;<br />among hospitalized stroke patients.<br /><strong>Methods.</strong> A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 nurses/medical technicians using a structured, non-validated questionnaire. Medical records of 375 consecutively hospitalized patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke were reviewed to determine the occurrence and management of pressure ulcers.<br /><strong>Results. </strong>Nurses demonstrated good knowledge of fundamental preventive principles, although gaps were identified in epidemiology and recognition of certain complications. Pressure ulcers were documented in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients, with an overall prevalence of 5.1%. Conservative treatment was most frequently applied, and most ulcers were recorded as healed at discharge.<br /><strong>Conclusion.</strong> Nursing knowledge appears generally adequate, but specific gaps indicate the need for targeted educational interventions. Interpretation of prevalence and outcomes is limited by the absence of validated assessment instruments and standardized documentation.</p>