Pressure injury pathophysiology involves

Pressure injury pathophysiology involves

• A. Compression of tissue -> decreased blood supply -> tissue damage
• B. Infection is the sole cause
• C. Genetic predisposition regardless of pressure
• D. UV exposure induces tissue damage

Answer: (A)

Sustained external pressure reducing blood flow to tissues leads to ischemia and, if ongoing, cell death. When tissue pressure exceeds the capillary perfusion pressure, blood flow is occluded, causing hypoxia and lack of nutrients. Without adequate oxygen, cells cannot maintain their functions and begin to die, eventually resulting in tissue damage and ulcer formation. Additional contributors like shear, moisture, and friction can worsen the injury by damaging microvasculature, but the initiating process remains compromised perfusion from compression. Infection is not the sole cause, genetics may affect healing but pressure is the driving factor, and UV exposure has no role in the development of pressure injuries.

Sustained external pressure reducing blood flow to tissues leads to ischemia and, if ongoing, cell death. When tissue pressure exceeds the capillary perfusion pressure, blood flow is occluded, causing hypoxia and lack of nutrients. Without adequate oxygen, cells cannot maintain their functions and begin to die, eventually resulting in tissue damage and ulcer formation. Additional contributors like shear, moisture, and friction can worsen the injury by damaging microvasculature, but the initiating process remains compromised perfusion from compression. Infection is not the sole cause, genetics may affect healing but pressure is the driving factor, and UV exposure has no role in the development of pressure injuries.