Nurse-Sensitive Indicators measure the application of nursing care and how it affects patient care outcomes and satisfaction. Patient care and treatment are essential in determining the quality of healthcare delivery and patient care outcomes. “The structure of nursing is indicated by the supply of nursing personnel, the skill level of nursing personnel, and the training/certification of nursing personnel. Patient outcomes that are deemed responsive to nursing care are those that improve with greater quantity or quality of nursing care” (“Nurse Quality Indicators,” 2014). Understanding nurses' sensitive indicators greatly improves patient treatment and the ability to distinguish between issues that may disrupt a patient's care and positive outcomes. Healthcare teams regulate these events by identifying, monitoring and measuring indicators such as the increasing incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. Maintaining skin integrity and preventing pressure sores play an important role in the quality of care. Reducing pressure ulcers requires prevention protocols, which consist of preventive interventions, based on risk levels, with the implementation of risk assessment scales such as the Braden scale or the Norton scale, evidence-based practice, leadership and education.Impact on patient safety and qualityGiven the high risk that pressure ulcers pose to patient health, nurses play a critical role in prevention and treatment. “A pressure ulcer is a localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissues, usually over a bony prominence, resulting from pressure or pressure combined with shear and/or friction” ( Gulanick & Myers, 2014). All patients, regardless of age, ...... middle of paper ...... safety and quality of care. Conclusion Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers are a major nurse-sensitive indicator and nurses have a considerable impact on development and prevention. Prevention of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers often involves minimal use of equipment, but requires careful caution to address the ever-increasing risks associated with pressure ulcer development. Not all pressure ulcers can be prevented, but the use of comprehensive pressure ulcer programs can prevent the majority of their development (Gulanick & Myers, 2014). When a pressure ulcer develops, the goals of healing or preventing deterioration and infection are paramount. As leaders, nurses must take the initiative to constantly learn about new and effective interventions, implement evidence-based practices, and act on prevention before risk factors are detected..