Question

In a stage III pressure ulcer, there is full-thickness skin loss. Slough may be present, but it does not obscure the depth of tissue loss. In a stage IV pressure ulcer, there is full-thickness tissue loss, exposing bone, tendon, or muscle. In a stage I pressure ulcer, there may be discoloration of the skin, warmth, edema, hardness, or pain. In a stage II pressure ulcer, partial-thickness loss of dermis presents as a shallow, open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed without slough

What distinguishes a stage III pressure ulcer from a stage IV pressure ulcer?

a) Presence of slough
b) Full-thickness tissue loss
c) Discoloration of the skin
d) Partial-thickness loss of dermis

Answer 1

A stage III pressure ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss that may extend down to but not through underlying fascia, while a stage IV pressure ulcer shows full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The distinguishing factor between a stage III pressure ulcer and a stage IV pressure ulcer is the depth of tissue loss. In a stage III pressure ulcer, there is full-thickness skin loss which may involve damage or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue that may extend down to, but not through, underlying fascia. However, the ulcer does not expose underlying bone, tendon, or muscle. In contrast, a stage IV pressure ulcer involves full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. Often, this stage can include undermining and tunneling of adjacent tissue and can lead to further complications, such as osteomyelitis or even sepsis, if not managed properly. The stage IV ulcer exhibits severe tissue damage, thereby posing a significant challenge for healing and requiring advanced wound care interventions.