Stage IV ulcer involves exposure of what structures?

Stage IV ulcer involves exposure of what structures?

• A. Partial-thickness skin loss
• B. Full-thickness skin loss with exposure of adipose tissue
• C. Full-thickness tissue loss with exposure of bone, tendon, or muscle
• D. Non-blanchable erythema

Answer: (C)

Stage IV ulcers show full-thickness tissue loss with exposure of deeper structures such as bone, tendon, or muscle. This depth means the damage extends through the dermis and subcutaneous tissue to reveal these underlying tissues, and you may also see undermining or tunneling. Slough or eschar can be present, but the defining feature is that bone, tendon, or muscle are exposed. By comparison, partial-thickness skin loss (involving epidermis and/or dermis) is a Stage II lesion, non-blanchable erythema is a Stage I lesion, and full-thickness loss with adipose tissue visible describes Stage III.

Stage IV ulcers show full-thickness tissue loss with exposure of deeper structures such as bone, tendon, or muscle. This depth means the damage extends through the dermis and subcutaneous tissue to reveal these underlying tissues, and you may also see undermining or tunneling. Slough or eschar can be present, but the defining feature is that bone, tendon, or muscle are exposed. By comparison, partial-thickness skin loss (involving epidermis and/or dermis) is a Stage II lesion, non-blanchable erythema is a Stage I lesion, and full-thickness loss with adipose tissue visible describes Stage III.