Which of the following is a valid classification for pressure injuries?

• A. Stage 1-4
• B. Stage 1-2
• C. Only DTI
• D. Stage 1-4, unstageable, DTI

Answer: (D)

Pressure injuries are classified by depth of tissue involvement and by two additional categories used when depth can’t be staged. The valid categories include Stage 1 through Stage 4, unstageable wounds (where slough or eschar prevents accurate depth assessment), and Deep Tissue Injury (DTI), which indicates underlying tissue damage beneath seemingly intact skin. A complete classification must encompass all of these categories, so the option that lists Stage 1-4, unstageable, and Deep Tissue Injury covers the full spectrum. The other options describe only some categories (for example, only stages or only DTI), which leaves out valid classifications and isn’t a full approach to labeling pressure injuries.