Superficial ulceration of the skin, appearing as an abrasion and a blister is a characteristic of?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

A Stage 2 pressure ulcer is defined as partial-thickness loss of skin with the dermis exposed.
This stage can present as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink, moist wound bed.
Crucially, it can also appear as an intact or ruptured serum-filled blister, which directly matches the description in the question.
The term 'abrasion' in the question corresponds to the superficial, partial-thickness skin loss seen in this stage.

Option A: In a Stage 1 pressure ulcer, the skin is still intact. The key sign is a localized area of non-blanchable redness. There is no ulceration, blister, or abrasion.
Option C: A Stage 3 pressure ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss, where subcutaneous fat is visible. This is a much deeper injury than a superficial ulcer or blister.
Option D: A Stage 4 pressure ulcer is the most severe, involving full-thickness skin and tissue loss with exposed or directly palpable muscle, tendon, or bone.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Staging of Pressure Ulcers as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate staging of a pressure ulcer is a critical nursing skill that directly impacts the plan of care, choice of dressings, and prevention of complications like infection and progression to a more severe stage.
Nurses are responsible for routine skin assessments using tools like the Braden scale to identify at-risk patients and implement preventive measures such as frequent repositioning, pressure-relieving surfaces, and nutritional support.
What if? If the area was intact but had a persistent deep red, maroon, or purple discoloration, it would not be a Stage 1 ulcer. This presentation suggests a Deep Tissue Pressure Injury (DTPI), where damage has occurred in the underlying soft tissue from prolonged pressure and shear.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptive words in the question stem: 'superficial ulceration,' 'abrasion,' and 'blister.'
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of a clinical classification system.
Systematically recall the definitions for each of the four main stages of pressure ulcers.
Compare the keywords from the question to the definition of each stage.
Stage 1 involves intact skin. Stage 3 and 4 involve full-thickness loss. Only Stage 2 is characterized by partial-thickness loss presenting as a blister or shallow ulcer/abrasion.
Select the option that perfectly matches the description.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QFjw87CICgaAibGXBA84Ze

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 581-583, 560-562

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 69-71

Practise the full DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.