How is Stage 1 pressure injury described, particularly in dark-skinned patients?

How is Stage 1 pressure injury described, particularly in dark-skinned patients?

• A. Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin.
• B. Localized color change, warmth, edema, or induration in dark-skinned patients.
• C. Blister.
• D. Deep tissue loss.

Answer: (B)

Stage 1 pressure injury is an area of intact skin with a nonblanchable change in color. In people with dark skin, the usual red color may not be evident, so the defining signs are a localized color change (which may appear as darker or purplish tones), along with warmth, edema, or induration over a bony area. These findings indicate early tissue damage without open wounds. Blistering or deeper tissue loss would indicate a higher stage, so describing Stage 1 as a blister or as deep tissue loss would not fit.

Stage 1 pressure injury is an area of intact skin with a nonblanchable change in color. In people with dark skin, the usual red color may not be evident, so the defining signs are a localized color change (which may appear as darker or purplish tones), along with warmth, edema, or induration over a bony area. These findings indicate early tissue damage without open wounds. Blistering or deeper tissue loss would indicate a higher stage, so describing Stage 1 as a blister or as deep tissue loss would not fit.