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Stage 3 pressure injury — USMLE Step 2 CK MCQ

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ModerateSurgeryStage 3 pressure injuryUSMLE Step 2 CK

A 63-year-old White woman comes to the urgent care clinic because of progressive symptoms. History and focused examination are notable for sacral ulcer with full-thickness skin loss and undermining. Temperature is 98.6°F (37.0°C), blood pressure is 126/78 mmHg, pulse is 84/min, respirations are 16/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical examination confirms the key finding and shows no unrelated abnormality that would better explain the presentation. Focused laboratory studies and imaging support an acute surgical process without suggesting a safer outpatient approach. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Stage 3 pressure injury

The vignette describes Stage 3 pressure injury, supported by sacral ulcer with full-thickness skin loss and undermining. Stage 3 pressure injury is the single best answer because it matches the diagnostic or management priority in this clinical setting. The other choices are plausible alternatives in related presentations, but they do not best fit the timing, findings, and guideline-directed approach described here.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/#stage-9-order-29