Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Which term describes tissue death associated with a pressure ulcer?

1. Necrosis

2. Erythema

3. Ischemia

4. Infarction

The correct answer is: Necrosis

The term that describes tissue death associated with a pressure ulcer is necrosis. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, develop when there is prolonged pressure on the skin, often over bony areas, which can restrict blood flow to the tissues. When the blood supply is compromised, the tissue can become damaged and die, leading to necrosis. In contrast, erythema refers to redness of the skin, typically an early sign of pressure damage but not indicative of tissue death. Ischemia describes a reduction in blood supply to tissues, which can lead to necrosis if prolonged; however, ischemia itself does not refer to the tissue that is already dead. Infarction specifically refers to tissue death due to a lack of blood supply and is often used in the context of organs such as the heart or brain. While similar to necrosis, infarction is more specific to certain conditions rather than the general concept of tissue death related to pressure ulcers. Understanding that necrosis is a key factor in the development and progression of pressure ulcers highlights the importance of preventing tissue damage through regular repositioning and care.