Injuries to the skin resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin are called?

• A. Pressure ulcer
• B. Pressure injury
• C. Bed sore
• D. Skin breakdown

Answer: (A)

Prolonged pressure on the skin reduces blood flow to the area, leading to tissue damage that can develop into an ulcer over a bony prominence like the sacrum or heels. The precise medical term for this injury is pressure ulcer, which is why this option is the best choice.

Bed sore is a common everyday name for the same problem, but it’s informal and less precise. Skin breakdown is vague and could refer to many skin issues not specifically caused by sustained pressure. In newer guidelines, you might see the term pressure injury, but many exams and clinical notes still use pressure ulcer as the standard diagnosis for this condition.