Upon inspecting a client’s skin, a nurse identifies a stage 3 pressure ulcer on the sacrum. Which statement best describes a stage 3 pressure ulcer?
There is slough on part of the wound area.
There appears to be persistent reddening of the skin.
There is full-thickness skin loss with a crater.
There is a fluid-filled area under the skin.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Slough, which is a layer of yellowish, dead tissue that can develop on the surface of a wound, is not a defining characteristic of a stage 3 pressure ulcer.
Choice B rationale
Persistent reddening of the skin is typically associated with a stage 1 pressure ulcer, not a stage 3. In a stage 1 pressure ulcer, the skin remains intact but may be red and may not blanch (lose color briefly) when you press your finger on it.
Choice C rationale
A stage 3 pressure ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss that appears as a deep crater. The ulcer may extend into the subcutaneous tissue layer, but not through it to the underlying
muscle or bone. This description matches the statement in Choice C, making it the correct answer.
Choice D rationale
A fluid-filled area under the skin could potentially indicate a blister or a stage 2 pressure ulcer, not a stage 3. In a stage 2 pressure ulcer, the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and part of the underlying layer of skin (dermis) are damaged or lost.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cranberry juice is an acceptable component of a clear liquid diet. Clear liquid diets are often prescribed postoperatively as they are easy to digest and leave no residue in the digestive tract.
Choice B rationale
Lemon sherbet is not part of a clear liquid diet. It is considered part of a full liquid diet, which is more substantial and includes foods that are liquid at room temperature.
Choice C rationale
Carrot juice is not typically included in a clear liquid diet. It may contain pulp and is not clear, which is a requirement of a clear liquid diet.
Choice D rationale
Plain yogurt is not part of a clear liquid diet. It is considered a solid food and is therefore not included.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Full-thickness tissue loss extending to underlying support structures such as muscle, tendon, or bone is characteristic of a stage 4 pressure ulcer, not a stage 312.
Choice B rationale
A stage 3 pressure ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss and may appear as a deep crater. There may be damage to or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue that may extend down to, but not through, underlying fascia. This description matches the statement in Choice B, making it the correct answer.
Choice C rationale
A shallow, ruptured or intact skin blister without slough is more indicative of a stage 2 pressure ulcer. In a stage 2 pressure ulcer, there is partial-thickness loss of dermis presenting as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.
Choice D rationale
Unbroken skin with un-blancheable erythema is characteristic of a stage 1 pressure ulcer, not a stage 3. In a stage 1 pressure ulcer, the skin is not broken, but it has redness that does not lighten (or blanch) when you press on it.
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