Which statement correctly characterizes an unstageable ulcer?

• A. Ulcer base is obscured by slough and eschar, requiring debridement to stage
• B. Ulcer base is fully visible
• C. Ulcer depth can be measured without removing slough
• D. It is identical to stage 2

Answer: (A)

An unstageable ulcer is defined by a wound bed that cannot be seen because it is covered by slough or eschar. Because the true depth isn’t visible, you can’t assign a stage until the covering tissue is removed and the base is exposed. This is why the statement that the ulcer base is obscured by slough and eschar and requires debridement to stage is the correct choice.

If the wound base were fully visible, you could assess depth and assign a stage. Depth cannot be measured accurately while slough or eschar remains in place. And an unstageable ulcer is not the same as stage 2; stage 2 involves a partial-thickness loss with a visible wound bed, which isn’t the case when the base is obscured.