Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE) Practice test

What best describes a stage 3 pressure ulcer?

1. Full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle

2. Partial-thickness loss of dermis with a shallow, open ulcer

3. Partial-thickness tissue loss covered by slough

4. Full-thickness tissue loss with some subcutaneous fat visible

The correct answer is: Full-thickness tissue loss with some subcutaneous fat visible

A stage 3 pressure ulcer is characterized by full-thickness tissue loss, meaning that there is destruction of the skin tissue extending into the subcutaneous layer, which may expose some of the underlying fat. The absence of exposed bone, tendon, or muscle further distinguishes this stage from more severe pressure ulcers. In stage 3, the ulcer can present with slough, but the defining feature is the visibility of subcutaneous fat, which illustrates the extent of tissue loss. This description aligns with the correct choice, highlighting it as a significant loss of tissue integrity while noting that deeper structures such as muscle or bone are not yet visible. In contrast, limited thickness loss, remaining dermal layers, or covered tissue would not classify the ulcer as stage 3. These aspects reinforce the importance of understanding the characteristics of each ulcer stage, as proper categorization has direct implications for treatment and patient management.