Stage 1 pressure sore is characterized by which finding?

• A. Skin intact with a localized area of nonblanchable erythema (redness that does not blanch when pressed)
• B. Exposed dermis, pink or red, moist, may look like a blister
• C. Full thickness loss of skin with fat visible and rolled wound edges
• D. Flat nonpalpable spot less than 10 mm

Answer: (A)

Stage 1 pressure sores manifest as intact skin with localized nonblanchable erythema, meaning the red area does not fade when you press on it. This indicates superficial irritation with underlying tissue damage but no skin break yet. Recognizing this allows early intervention to relieve pressure and protect the area to prevent progression. Descriptions of exposed dermis with a moist pink/red appearance or a blister point to deeper tissue loss (stage 2), full-thickness skin loss with fat visible and rolled edges describes a more advanced wound (stage 3), and a small flat spot under 10 mm isn’t a typical pressure ulcer finding. The key concept is nonblanchable redness on intact skin signals early, reversible injury.