Pressure ulcers develop due to which mechanism?

Pressure ulcers develop due to which mechanism?

• A. External pressure compressing capillaries and tissue, especially over bony prominences
• B. Infection from bacteria
• C. Excess moisture only
• D. Poor nutrition alone

Answer: (A)

Pressure ulcers begin when external pressure on soft tissue against a hard surface is sustained long enough to compress the tiny blood vessels, cutting off capillary blood flow and causing tissue ischemia. Areas over bony prominences are especially vulnerable because there isn’t much cushioning, so the vessels are squeezed more easily. If the pressure continues, the lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to cell death and ulcer formation. Moisture, shear, and nutrition can influence risk and healing, but the initiating factor is the prolonged external pressure causing vascular compromise. Infections can complicate ulcers later, but they don’t start the process.

Pressure ulcers begin when external pressure on soft tissue against a hard surface is sustained long enough to compress the tiny blood vessels, cutting off capillary blood flow and causing tissue ischemia. Areas over bony prominences are especially vulnerable because there isn’t much cushioning, so the vessels are squeezed more easily. If the pressure continues, the lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to cell death and ulcer formation. Moisture, shear, and nutrition can influence risk and healing, but the initiating factor is the prolonged external pressure causing vascular compromise. Infections can complicate ulcers later, but they don’t start the process.