Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

What is another term for a pressure ulcer?

1. Scar tissue

2. Stretch mark

3. Decubitus ulcer

4. Bruise

The correct answer is: Decubitus ulcer

The term "decubitus ulcer" is widely recognized in the medical field as another name for a pressure ulcer. Pressure ulcers, commonly associated with prolonged pressure on the skin, especially over bony areas, can lead to significant health complications if not addressed. The roots of the term "decubitus" relate to lying down, which reflects the positioning that often contributes to the formation of these ulcers in individuals with limited mobility. Understanding the other terms is important for context. Scar tissue refers specifically to the fibrous tissue that replaces normal tissue after an injury, rather than indicating a condition caused by pressure. Stretch marks are markings on the skin due to rapid stretching, such as from pregnancy or rapid weight gain, and are not related to pressure injuries. A bruise is an injury to the blood vessels under the skin that leads to discoloration but doesn't indicate the tissue breakdown typical of pressure ulcers. Thus, "decubitus ulcer" is the preferred terminology in the medical community when discussing pressure ulcers.