PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which pressure ulcer stage resolves with reactive hyperemia after pressure relief?

1. Stage I

2. Stage II

3. Stage III

4. Stage IV

The correct answer is: Stage I

Stage I pressure ulcers are characterized by non-blanchable erythema of intact skin. Reactive hyperemia occurs when pressure is relieved from an area of the skin, leading to increased blood flow as the body attempts to restore normal circulation and nutrient delivery to the affected tissues. In the case of a Stage I ulcer, the skin remains intact, and the redness may subside with pressure relief, indicating that the damage is reversible. This prompt return of normal skin color after pressure removal is a key feature of a Stage I pressure ulcer. In contrast, Stage II, III, and IV ulcers present with more severe tissue damage. Stage II involves partial thickness loss of skin, characterized by a blister or shallow open ulcer. Stage III involves full thickness loss, with damage extending into the subcutaneous tissue, while Stage IV represents extensive tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. These later stages do not resolve simply with reactive hyperemia, as they indicate more profound tissue injury that requires more intensive management and often leads to complications. Thus, the ability for skin integrity to return to baseline following pressure relief is specific to Stage I pressure ulcers.