What is a deep tissue injury?

A deep tissue injury refers to damage beneath the surface of the skin that occurs due to prolonged pressure or trauma, often resulting in bruising associated with skin trauma and blood vessel rupture. This type of injury typically does not involve a visible wound on the surface, making it different from more superficial injuries.

Deep tissue injuries can often be identified by a change in color of the overlying skin, which may range from purple to maroon, indicating that there is damage and potential necrosis beneath the intact skin. This concept is particularly relevant in the assessment and management of pressure ulcers, where the deeper tissues are affected despite the outer layer appearing intact initially.

Options that describe minor scrapes, severe cuts requiring stitches, or injuries caused solely by impact do not accurately define a deep tissue injury, as they do not capture the specific mechanism of pressure-related damage leading to underlying tissue bruising and disruption of blood vessels.