What characterizes a Stage II pressure ulcer?

A Stage II pressure ulcer is characterized by partial thickness loss of dermis, which presents as a shallow open sore with a pink-red wound bed that may also be blistered. The key features include intact or ruptured blisters showcasing serum or blood, and the absence of slough or eschar. This stage indicates that while the skin is no longer intact, it has not progressed to full thickness, where all layers of skin are lost.

Understanding this definition clarifies why the option describing skin that is red and blistered aligns with the characteristics of a Stage II pressure ulcer. It directly reflects the clinical presentation seen at this stage, which usually signifies the early damage from prolonged pressure and the beginning of skin integrity compromise.