Pressure injuries primarily result from what condition?

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, primarily develop from unrelieved pressure on the skin and underlying tissues. When there is sustained pressure on an area of the body, particularly over bony prominences, blood flow is restricted. This lack of adequate blood supply can lead to tissue ischemia, which damages the skin and underlying structures, ultimately resulting in the formation of pressure injuries.

While other factors like moisture, medical devices, and aging can contribute to the development and severity of pressure injuries, they do not directly cause them as unrelieved pressure does. Moisture can exacerbate skin integrity and increase vulnerability, medical devices can exert localized pressure, and aging can affect skin integrity and healing capacity, but the fundamental cause is the sustained pressure that hampers blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. Understanding this key mechanism is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies in clinical settings.