Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What pressure injury stage involves full-thickness tissue loss involving epidermis, dermis, and into but not through subcutaneous fat?

1. Stage 1

2. Stage 2

3. Stage 3

4. Stage 4

The correct answer is: Stage 3

The scenario described fits Stage 3 pressure injuries. In this stage, there is full-thickness tissue loss that affects the epidermis and dermis, extending into but not through the subcutaneous fat layer. This means that while the underlying structures are damaged, the injury does not reach deep tissues or muscle, which would indicate a more severe stage. Stage 3 injuries may involve tunneling or undermining, but the key aspect is the complete loss of skin layers down to the fat without penetrating deeper structures. In contrast, Stage 1 presents as intact skin with non-blanchable redness, Stage 2 is characterized by partial-thickness loss of skin and may present as a blister or shallow open sore, and Stage 4 includes full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle, signifying a more severe injury than Stage 3. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective assessment and treatment in wound care.