Question

A nurse is treating the pressure ulcer of an African American patient. How would the nurse assess for deep tissue injury in this patient?

Answer 1

To assess for deep tissue injury in an African American patient with a pressure ulcer, the nurse would need to carefully examine the affected area. Some signs of deep tissue injury may include an area of discolored skin, loss of sensation, and localized swelling or blistering.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assess for deep tissue injury in an African American patient with a pressure ulcer, the nurse would need to carefully examine the affected area.

Some signs of deep tissue injury may include:

• An area of discolored skin that is usually purple or maroon and may feel cooler or firmer than the surrounding tissue.
• Loss of sensation in the affected area.
• Localized swelling or blistering.

The nurse may also use a technique called palpation to feel for any changes in the texture and firmness of the tissue beneath the skin.