The nurse is completing a head-to-toe assessment and notices a wound on the patient's trochanter. The patient winces when the area is palpated, and there is minimal slough with visible subcutaneous tissue. How should the nurse stage this wound?
Stage 1 pressure ulcer
Stage 4 pressure ulcer
Stage 2 pressure ulcer
Stage 3 pressure ulcer
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. A Stage 1 pressure ulcer is characterized by intact skin with non-blanchable redness; it does not involve any tissue loss or visible subcutaneous tissue, which is present in this case.
B. A Stage 4 pressure ulcer involves full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, muscle, or tendon; while this wound has visible subcutaneous tissue, it does not exhibit the depth or extent associated with Stage 4.
C. A Stage 2 pressure ulcer is defined by partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis and possibly the dermis, presenting as a blister or abrasion. This wound shows more depth and visible subcutaneous tissue, which indicates it is deeper than a Stage 2.
D. A Stage 3 pressure ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss, with visible fat and possible slough. The presence of minimal slough and visible subcutaneous tissue in this wound aligns with the characteristics of a Stage 3 ulcer.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Although the adolescent in a halo brace has some immobility, the greatest risk factors for skin breakdown involve areas where prolonged pressure is applied, and older adults are more vulnerable due to age-related skin changes.
B. A fractured radius and arm cast do not pose a significant risk for skin breakdown because the client can still mobilize and reposition themselves, reducing prolonged pressure.
C. An older adult with a hip fracture in Buck's traction is at greatest risk for skin breakdown due to immobility, pressure from the traction setup, and the reduced skin elasticity and healing capacity that come with age.
D. While skeletal balanced suspension traction poses some risk, a young adult typically has better skin integrity and mobility than an older adult, reducing the risk for skin breakdown.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client with right-sided heart failure and 4+ edema is at risk for pressure ulcers due to fluid accumulation, which can impair circulation and increase the likelihood of skin breakdown.
B. A client who is ambulatory is at a low risk for pressure ulcers because frequent movement reduces the risk of prolonged pressure on any one area.
C. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia is at risk for pressure ulcers because high blood glucose levels can impair wound healing and affect skin integrity.
D. A client with protein-calorie malnutrition is at a significant risk for pressure ulcers due to inadequate nutrition, which weakens the skin and impairs the body’s ability to repair tissue damage.
E. A client with postoperative delirium may have decreased mobility and cognitive awareness, making it harder for them to reposition themselves, thereby increasing their risk of pressure ulcers.