Final answer:
True, a stage III pressure ulcer is associated with full-thickness skin loss and may exhibit signs of infection such as purulent drainage and fever. Bruising and swelling due to internal bleeding typically show a bluish discoloration, while blanchable erythema does not include symptoms of an infection like fever or discharge.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with a stage III pressure ulcer exhibits full-thickness skin loss. Indications of a wound infection include purulent drainage with a characteristic odor and a fever. Bruising manifests as skin discoloration to bluish and purplish hues, whereas internal bleeding shows similar discoloration with additional swelling. Blanchable erythema is characterized by red skin that turns white under pressure and returns to red once the pressure is removed. This does not usually present with fever and purulent discharge, which are key symptoms of infection rather than simple inflammation or pressure-related skin changes.
In the context provided regarding Mark's hospital admission, the rapid progression of his symptoms mirrored those of a severe infection, such as necrotizing fasciitis, characterized by increasing swelling, rash, blister formation with gray discoloration, and systemic symptoms like confusion and dizziness. Cultures and blood work are necessary to confirm the pathogen and guide treatment, as seen in Mark's case where broad-spectrum antibiotics were administrated in response to the infection's progression.