Which description corresponds to stage 3 pressure ulcer?

• A. Partial thickness skin loss with exposed dermis
• B. Full thickness skin loss with visible subcutaneous fat
• C. Full thickness skin loss with exposed muscle or bone
• D. Shallow ulcer with red wound bed

Answer: (B)

Stage of a pressure ulcer is defined by depth of tissue loss. A stage 3 ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss with visible subcutaneous fat. The wound goes through the epidermis and dermis into the subcutaneous tissue, but bone, tendon, or muscle are not exposed. That visible subcutaneous fat description matches stage 3 and distinguishes it from stage 4, where there is exposure of muscle or bone. A stage 2 ulcer is only partial-thickness loss involving the dermis, often presenting as a shallow crater with a red/pink wound bed, and stage 1 is intact skin with non‑blanchable redness.