Stages of Pressure Injuries

• What characterizes Stage 1 of pressure injuries?

  Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin
• What does non-blanchable erythema indicate in Stage 1?

  The redness does not fade when pressed
• What is involved in Stage 2 of pressure injuries?

  Partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis
• How does Stage 2 of pressure injuries typically appear?

  As a blister or open sore
• What defines Stage 3 of pressure injuries?

  Full-thickness skin loss with visible fat
• What is not visible in Stage 3 pressure injuries?

  Bone, tendon, or muscle
• What is the most severe stage of pressure injuries?

  Stage 4
• What characterizes Stage 4 pressure injuries?

  Full-thickness tissue loss with exposed structures
• What are unstageable injuries in pressure injuries?

  Base covered by slough or eschar
• How do deep tissue injuries present?

  As persistent non-blanchable discoloration
• What colors can deep tissue injuries appear as?

  Deep red, maroon, or purple
• How does Stage 1 differ from Stage 4 pressure injuries?

  Stage 1 has intact skin, Stage 4 exposes structures
• What is the key difference between Stage 2 and Stage 3 pressure injuries?

  Stage 2 has partial-thickness loss, Stage 3 is full-thickness