PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What does stage II pressure ulcer damage involve?

1. Full thickness of skin with necrosis

2. Injury to epidermis extending into the dermis

3. Superficial injury with redness

4. Damage extending into the muscle

The correct answer is: Injury to epidermis extending into the dermis

Stage II pressure ulcer damage involves injury to the epidermis that extends into the dermis. This type of ulcer presents as a partial thickness skin loss, which may appear as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater. The crucial aspect of a stage II pressure ulcer is that it affects both the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis), but it does not extend deeper into the subcutaneous tissue, which would classify it as a more severe stage. Understanding this helps in recognizing the appropriate treatments and care strategies needed to promote healing and prevent further deterioration. The other options describe conditions that do not fit the definition of a stage II pressure ulcer, as they either refer to full-thickness damage or extend into deeper tissues, which characterizes more severe stages of pressure ulcers.