Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

What characterizes a Stage 3 pressure injury?

1. Full thickness skin loss with exposure of bone

2. Total loss of epidermis and dermis with visible adipose tissue

3. Partial thickness skin loss with serous exudate

4. Localized area of redness without skin loss

The correct answer is: Total loss of epidermis and dermis with visible adipose tissue

A Stage 3 pressure injury is characterized by full thickness skin loss, which does indeed involve the visible exposure of adipose tissue. In this stage, the wound extends through the epidermis and dermis and into the subcutaneous tissue, but does not expose bone, tendon, or muscle. This distinguishes Stage 3 injuries from those of Stage 4, where there is exposure of bone or muscle. The presence of visible adipose tissue is critical in identifying a Stage 3 pressure injury, as it indicates the wound has progressed deeper than in earlier stages, while still allowing for some tissue integrity surrounding the wound. Understanding the characteristics of this stage helps in proper assessment and treatment planning, ensuring that adequate care is provided to promote healing and prevent further deterioration. Other stages present different characteristics, such as partial thickness wounds with serous exudate typical of Stage 2 injuries or localized redness without skin loss found in Stage 1 injuries, which are important to note for effective wound classification and management.