Question

A patient with quadriplegia presents to the outpatient clinic with an ischial wound that extends through the epidermis into the dermis. When documenting the depth of the wound, how would the nurse classify it?

1) Partial-thickness wound
2) Penetrating wound
3) Superficial wound
4) Full-thickness wound

Answer 1

A wound extending through the epidermis into the dermis should be classified as a partial-thickness wound, which is similar to a second-degree burn. Option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient with quadriplegia presents with an ischial wound that extends through the epidermis into the dermis, the nurse should classify it as a partial-thickness wound option 1. This classification is because the wound affects both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, similar to what is observed with second-degree burns, resulting in damage that is not limited to the outermost layer of skin. This type of wound requires appropriate wound care to prevent infection and promote healing.