Which description matches Stage 4 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: (D)

Stage 4 pressure ulcers involve full-thickness tissue loss with exposure of deeper structures such as muscle or bone. This means the damage goes through all layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and you can actually see muscle or bone in the wound. Necrotic tissue may be present, and there can be tunneling or undermining as the ulcer connects with other areas beneath the surface. The description that states extensive tissue damage with muscle and bone visible matches this level of depth and involvement.

For context, earlier stages indicate progressively shallower damage: redness with intact skin is Stage 1, a shallow open area or blister is Stage 2, and full-thickness loss with exposed subcutaneous tissue (but not bone or muscle) is Stage 3.