What are the stages of pressure ulcers based on?

The stages of pressure ulcers are classified based on depth of tissue loss and damage, which allows healthcare professionals to assess the severity of the ulcer accurately. This depth-based classification ranges from Stage I, which includes non-blanchable erythema of intact skin, to Stage IV, where there is exposure of bone, muscle, or supporting structures due to full-thickness tissue loss.

Assessing the depth is crucial for determining appropriate treatment and prevention strategies, as deeper stages indicate more severe injury and a greater risk for complications. Understanding the specific tissue layers affected helps clinicians implement effective care plans and monitor healing progress over time. Factors such as the color and odor of a wound, its size and location, or the patient's pain level may provide additional information but are not the primary criteria for staging pressure ulcers.