Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

The most advanced stage of pressure ulcer grading involves?

1. Subcutaneous tissue

2. Muscle tissue and bone

3. Full thickness skin loss

4. Partial thickness skin loss

The correct answer is: Muscle tissue and bone

The most advanced stage of pressure ulcer grading indicates that there is involvement of both muscle tissue and bone. This stage is typically defined as Stage IV pressure ulcer, which signifies a full-thickness loss of skin, with extensive destruction, tissue necrosis, or damage to muscle, bone, or supporting structures. At this level, the ulcer is deep and may even show exposed bone or muscle tissues, reflecting significant tissue loss and a serious risk of infection and complications. In contrast, other stages of pressure ulcers reflect less severe damage. Full thickness skin loss does indicate a severe ulcer but does not specify the depth and extent of underlying structures involved, such as muscle and bone. Partial thickness skin loss refers only to the epidermis and potentially some dermal involvement but does not extend beyond that. Therefore, recognizing muscle and bone involvement as part of the most advanced stage highlights the critical nature of such ulcers and the urgent need for appropriate intervention and management.