Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What type of pressure ulcer involves partial-thickness tissue loss of the dermis?

1. Stage I pressure ulcer

2. Stage II pressure ulcer

3. Stage III pressure ulcer

4. Stage IV pressure ulcer

The correct answer is: Stage II pressure ulcer

A Stage II pressure ulcer is characterized by partial-thickness tissue loss of the dermis, which may present as an open wound that appears as a shallow, red or pink ulcer without slough. It often involves the epidermis and may extend into but not through the dermis. At this stage, the ulcer is not yet deep enough to penetrate the underlying tissue or muscle, hence it remains partial thickness. Understanding the classifications of pressure ulcers is critical because it helps guide clinical interventions and indicates the severity of tissue damage. Stage I involves intact skin with non-blanchable redness, Stage III indicates full-thickness skin loss possibly involving subcutaneous fat but not muscle or bone, and Stage IV extends deeper into muscle or bone. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for effective patient care and management strategies in preventing and treating pressure ulcers.