Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

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What is a key characteristic of a stage 1 pressure injury?

Partial thickness skin loss
Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin
Open wound with exposed tissue
Presence of necrotic tissue

The correct answer is: Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin

A key characteristic of a stage 1 pressure injury is non-blanchable erythema of intact skin. This means that the skin in the area of the pressure injury is red and does not turn white when pressed, indicating that there is an increase in blood flow to the area and potential tissue damage beneath the surface. The presence of non-blanchable erythema signals that the skin is affected and that preventive measures need to be taken to avoid further deterioration. While partial thickness skin loss, open wounds with exposed tissue, and the presence of necrotic tissue are important characteristics in the context of pressure injuries, they pertain to more advanced stages of tissue damage. Stage 1 is primarily indicated by changes in the skin color and texture without any actual skin loss. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper assessment and timely intervention in patient care to prevent progression to more severe injury stages.