What signifies tissue damage in stage 3 pressure injuries?

In stage 3 pressure injuries, the hallmark sign is the presence of full-thickness tissue loss. This means that the damage extends through the entire dermis and involves the subcutaneous tissue, which may be visible. In this stage, there is no intact skin over the affected area, and necrotic tissue may also be present. The critical aspect of stage 3 injuries is that they involve significant tissue damage that is more extensive than in earlier stages, where the integrity of the skin layers is not as compromised.

In contrast, the other options describe conditions that do not align with the characteristics of a stage 3 pressure injury. For instance, loss of coalified skin structure refers to changes that are not relevant to the classification of pressure injuries. Skin with intact epidermis would indicate a lesser degree of injury, possibly corresponding to earlier stages where the skin might still be intact. Reactive hyperemia, which is a response to increased blood flow to an area following pressure relief, does not signify deep tissue damage but rather a temporary condition that could occur prior to significant injury. Thus, the identification of full-thickness loss is critical in categorizing the severity of the pressure injury.