pressure injury
Localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure, shear, or friction, forming a critical risk-management and documentation concern in rehabilitation.
Full Definition
A pressure injury (formerly termed 'pressure ulcer' or 'decubitus ulcer') is tissue damage caused by sustained mechanical force—pressure, shear, or friction—typically over a bony prominence. In rehabilitation, pressure injuries are both a complication to be prevented and an impairment to be treated, especially in patients with spinal cord injury, stroke, or limited mobility. The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) updated the preferred terminology from 'pressure ulcer' to 'pressure injury' in 2016, and editors should apply this updated term in contemporary documentation while retaining historical terms when quoting older sources. Staging (Stage 1–4, unstageable, deep tissue injury) is a key editorial accuracy point.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred contemporary term is 'pressure injury,' replacing 'pressure ulcer' since 2016 (NPIAP). Retain staging (Stage 1–4, unstageable) when documented. Do not substitute with 'bedsore' in formal clinical text.
In Context
- "A Stage 2 pressure injury was identified over the sacrum and documented in the nursing care plan on admission." — Inpatient rehabilitation nursing assessment
- "Editors working on rehabilitation texts published after 2016 should use 'pressure injury' rather than 'pressure ulcer' unless quoting pre-2016 sources." — Editorial style guidance note