In a patient’s chart, it notes that the patient has a stage 1 pressure injury. Which of the following findings would you expect to see when you do your assessment?

Choice A reason: Full thickness skin loss with visible bone indicates a stage 4 pressure injury, not stage 1, which involves intact skin with erythema. Misidentifying this overstates severity, risking inappropriate interventions like surgical debridement instead of preventive measures like repositioning, critical for managing early-stage pressure injuries to prevent progression.

Choice B reason: Stage 1 pressure injury presents as intact skin with non-blanchable localized erythema, often over bony prominences, due to early tissue compression. This finding guides preventive care, like pressure relief and skin protection, to halt progression. Accurate identification ensures timely interventions, reducing risk of deeper tissue damage in at-risk patients.

Choice C reason: Full thickness skin loss with visible adipose tissue describes a stage 3 pressure injury, not stage 1, which has intact skin. Assuming this misdiagnoses severity, leading to unnecessary aggressive treatments like wound dressings, while neglecting early interventions like offloading pressure, critical for preventing worsening of stage 1 injuries.

Choice D reason: Partial-thickness skin loss with red tissue indicates a stage 2 pressure injury, not stage 1, which shows intact skin with erythema. Misidentifying this risks inappropriate wound care, delaying preventive strategies like skin moisturizing or repositioning, essential for managing stage 1 injuries and preventing progression to deeper ulcers.

Choice A reason: Head protrusions are not expected in older adults; they may indicate abnormal growths or trauma, requiring investigation. Thinning hair is a normal aging change. Assuming protrusions are expected risks missing serious conditions like tumors, delaying diagnosis and treatment critical for ensuring safety in elderly patients.

Choice B reason: Asymmetry of facial features is not a normal aging variation; it may suggest stroke or Bell’s palsy, needing urgent evaluation. Thinning hair is expected due to hormonal changes. Assuming asymmetry is normal risks overlooking neurological issues, delaying interventions critical for older adults’ health and functional outcomes.

Choice C reason: Thinning hair is an expected aging variation, resulting from reduced hair follicle activity and hormonal changes in older adults. Unlike vertigo or asymmetry, it’s benign and doesn’t require intervention unless cosmetic. Recognizing this ensures accurate assessment, focusing on abnormal findings like vertigo that need medical attention in elderly patients.

Choice D reason: Vertigo is not an expected aging variation; it may indicate inner ear disorders or neurological issues, requiring evaluation. Thinning hair is a normal change. Assuming vertigo is expected risks delaying diagnosis of treatable conditions like BPPV, compromising safety and quality of life in older adults.