Which description matches Stage 3 pressure ulcer?

• A. Redness that does not go away after pressure is relieved; skin intact
• B. Broken, cracked, or blistered area surrounded by redness; superficial wound depth
• C. Skin over wound is gone with underlying tissue exposed; may be necrotic tissue
• D. Extensive tissue damage; muscle and bone visible

Answer: (C)

The question tests how to recognize pressure ulcer depth and tissue involvement. Stage three means full-thickness skin loss that extends through the epidermis and dermis down to the subcutaneous tissue. The wound often has a crater-like appearance and may reveal adipose tissue in the wound bed; undermining can occur, and necrotic tissue may be present, but bone, tendon, or muscle should not be exposed yet.

The description that matches this stage is the one where the skin over the wound is gone and underlying tissue is exposed, with possible necrotic tissue in the wound bed. This fits full-thickness loss reaching subcutaneous tissue.

Descriptions of redness with intact skin describe Stage 1, shallow open ulcers involving the dermis describe Stage 2, and exposed muscle or bone describe Stage 4.