Injuries or wounds that result from skin deterioration and shearing are called?

• A. Pressure ulcer
• B. Skin tears
• C. Deterioration injuries
• D. Pressure injury

Answer: (D)

Prolonged pressure on the skin, especially when combined with shearing forces, damages both the skin and underlying tissues. This type of injury is known as a pressure injury. In modern practice, “pressure injury” is the preferred term because it clearly describes the cause (pressure and possibly shear) without implying an open wound; it covers all stages from mild nonblanchable redness to deeper tissue loss. While “pressure ulcer” is a commonly heard term, it’s older terminology and not as precise for describing the full range of injuries that can result from sustained pressure. Skin tears, for example, come from friction and trauma to fragile skin and are a different type of wound, not primarily due to prolonged pressure. Deterioration injuries isn’t a standard clinical term.