Which condition can result from prolonged pressure causing tissue damage?

The correct answer is necrosis. Necrosis refers to the death of body tissue, which can occur as a result of prolonged pressure that disrupts the blood supply to the affected area. When tissues are subjected to continuous pressure—especially over bony prominences—blood vessels may become compressed, impeding blood flow. This reduction in blood flow leads to a lack of oxygen and nutrients for the tissues, ultimately resulting in cell death.

Understanding necrosis in relation to pressure helps to recognize its severity, especially in clinical settings. It underscores the importance of regular repositioning and the use of supportive surfaces to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers, which are areas of necrosis that can develop due to sustained pressure.

The other options, while related to concepts of tissue damage, do not encapsulate the end result of tissue death in the same way. For example, shearing and compression both refer to forces that can contribute to tissue damage but do not explicitly denote the irreversible consequence of tissue death that necrosis does.