What appearance should a patient care technician expect for a patient with a stage II pressure ulcer?

A patient care technician should expect a blister-like appearance for a patient with a stage II pressure ulcer. At this stage, the ulcer is characterized by partial thickness loss of skin that presents as a shallow open wound. The wound may have a pink or red base and may also exhibit serum-filled blisters, which can be intact or ruptured.

This appearance reflects the skin's layers being affected without reaching deeper tissue, such as fat or muscle, which occurs in more severe stages of pressure ulcers. Recognizing this specific appearance is essential for accurate assessment and timely intervention to promote healing and prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition.