A potential consequence of pressure necrosis at the gastrostomy tube site is:

• A. Ulceration at the tube site
• B. Bowel obstruction
• C. Esophageal varices
• D. Pancreatitis

Answer: (A)

Prolonged pressure from a gastrostomy tube on the surrounding tissue reduces blood flow, leading to ischemia and tissue death at the tube tract. As the local skin and mucosa break down, an ulcer forms right at the tube site. This is a direct result of sustained mechanical compression causing necrosis. The other options don’t fit because bowel obstruction involves the intestinal lumen, esophageal varices are dilated veins from portal hypertension, and pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas—none are direct consequences of pressure injury at the gastrostomy site.