What stage is assigned to a pressure ulcer characterized by full-thickness skin loss and damage to the subcutaneous tissue, but not affecting the underlying muscle?

A pressure ulcer, often referred to as a decubitus ulcer or bed sore, is categorized into stages based on the depth of tissue damage. In the scenario described, a pressure ulcer is noted to have full-thickness skin loss and damage to the subcutaneous tissue, but it does not extend into the underlying muscle.

This description aligns with Stage 3 pressure ulcers, where the damage includes the full thickness of the skin and extends into the subcutaneous tissue, but there is no involvement of muscle, bone, or underlying structures. At this stage, one might also see some necrotic tissue and possibly drainage, indicating significant tissue loss.

In contrast, Stage 1 pressure ulcers present as non-blanchable redness of intact skin, while Stage 2 ulcers involve partial thickness loss of the dermis, appearing as a shallow open sore. Stage 4 ulcers illustrate the most severe complications, with full-thickness skin loss extending into muscle, bone, or support structures, signifying deep tissue damage.

By understanding these definitions and progression of pressure ulcer stages, one can accurately describe the severity of the ulcer, which is crucial for determining appropriate treatment and prevention strategies.