Which statement best defines a Stage 4 pressure sore?

• A. Exposed fascia only
• B. Full thickness loss limited to the epidermis
• C. Full thickness loss with exposed fat
• D. Full thickness skin and tissue loss with exposed fascia, muscle, tendon, bone, or cartilage

Answer: (D)

Stage 4 pressure sores are the deepest level of injury, defined by full-thickness skin and tissue loss with exposure of underlying structures such as fascia, muscle, tendon, bone, or cartilage. This description captures the extensive tissue destruction and the involvement of deeper structures that distinguishes stage IV from earlier stages. The other options are incomplete or inaccurate: exposing only fascia doesn’t convey the full-thickness loss with multiple deep tissues exposed; full-thickness loss limited to the epidermis isn’t possible (epidermis is not full thickness); full-thickness loss with exposed fat describes a stage III ulcer, which doesn’t involve deeper structures like bone or tendon.