Which of the following is a skin complication of immobility?

Which of the following is a skin complication of immobility?

• A. Pressure injuries
• B. Atelectasis
• C. DVT
• D. Muscle atrophy

Answer: (A)

Prolonged pressure on the skin from immobility reduces blood flow to the area, causing ischemia and tissue breakdown that leads to pressure injuries (pressure ulcers). The skin and underlying tissues can’t get enough oxygen and nutrients when a part of the body is held against a surface for long periods, especially over bony areas. Moisture, friction, and shear worsen the damage, and immobility makes it hard to relieve the pressure. Prevention focuses on regular repositioning and offloading, using pressure-relieving surfaces, keeping the skin clean and dry, nutrition, and daily skin inspections. The other options involve different body systems: atelectasis is a lung complication from shallow breathing and alveolar collapse; deep vein thrombosis is a vascular issue from venous stasis and clot formation; muscle atrophy is loss of muscle mass due to disuse. While these can be associated with immobility, they are not skin injuries.

Prolonged pressure on the skin from immobility reduces blood flow to the area, causing ischemia and tissue breakdown that leads to pressure injuries (pressure ulcers). The skin and underlying tissues can’t get enough oxygen and nutrients when a part of the body is held against a surface for long periods, especially over bony areas. Moisture, friction, and shear worsen the damage, and immobility makes it hard to relieve the pressure. Prevention focuses on regular repositioning and offloading, using pressure-relieving surfaces, keeping the skin clean and dry, nutrition, and daily skin inspections.

The other options involve different body systems: atelectasis is a lung complication from shallow breathing and alveolar collapse; deep vein thrombosis is a vascular issue from venous stasis and clot formation; muscle atrophy is loss of muscle mass due to disuse. While these can be associated with immobility, they are not skin injuries.