What condition can result from prolonged exposure to excessive pressure on bony areas?

Prolonged exposure to excessive pressure on bony areas can lead to pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers. These ulcers develop because the sustained pressure reduces blood flow to the area, leading to skin and underlying tissue damage. When tissues are compressed, the capillaries can become occluded, resulting in ischemia. If the pressure is not relieved, the affected skin can deteriorate, leading to ulceration and infection.

Pressure ulcers are classified according to their severity, ranging from localized skin reddening (which is a symptom that may appear earlier) to more severe cases that involve full-thickness loss of skin and tissue. By understanding the mechanism by which pressure ulcers form, nursing assistants can take appropriate actions to prevent them, such as repositioning patients regularly and using specialized mattresses and cushions.

While other conditions like muscle strain, skin redness, and dermatitis may be associated with various types of injury or irritation, they do not specifically arise from the sustained pressure on bony prominences in the way that pressure ulcers do.