Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

How is Stage I pressure ulcer characterized?

1. Partial skin loss with red-pink wound bed

2. Intact skin with nonblanchable redness

3. Full thickness loss with exposure of bone

4. Full thickness skin loss with slough

The correct answer is: Intact skin with nonblanchable redness

Stage I pressure ulcers are characterized by intact skin that displays nonblanchable redness. This stage indicates that the skin is still intact, but there is an area of redness that does not turn white when pressure is applied, suggesting there is damage to the underlying tissue. Recognizing this stage early is critical in preventing progression to more severe stages of pressure ulcers, which can lead to full thickness loss and expose underlying structures. The other options describe features of more advanced stages of pressure ulcers. For instance, partial skin loss with a red-pink wound bed typically indicates Stage II, while full thickness loss with exposure of bone and full thickness skin loss with slough are characteristics associated with Stage IV and Stage III, respectively. Understanding the nuances of these stages is essential for effective assessment and intervention in wound care management.