If a patient presents with a shallow, open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed without slough, how is this wound staged?

This wound is classified as Stage II because it is characterized by a partial-thickness loss of skin, which includes the epidermis and may also involve the dermis. The description of a shallow, open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed aligns perfectly with the features of Stage II pressure ulcers. At this stage, there is no necrotic tissue (slough) present, and the wound bed appears pink and moist.

Understanding wound staging is crucial for proper assessment and treatment planning. In contrast, Stage I pressure ulcers are noted for non-blanchable erythema, while Stage III and Stage IV ulcers involve more profound tissue damage and necrosis, with Stage III potentially exposing subcutaneous fat and Stage IV exposing muscle, tendon, or bone. The specifics of the ulcer provided – being shallow and having a red-pink wound bed without slough – clearly indicate it fits the criteria for Stage II.