Which of the following is a characteristic of a stage I pressure ulcer?

A characteristic of a stage I pressure ulcer is non-blanchable erythema of intact skin. This means that the skin appears red and is firm or swollen but does not lose color when pressure is applied. Stage I ulcers indicate the earliest signs of pressure injury, where the damage is confined to the epidermis and upper dermis, without any loss of skin integrity.

This is critical in early detection and intervention, as timely recognition can prevent further progression to more severe stages, which involve partial or full thickness tissue loss, necrosis, or exposure of underlying tissues. Maintaining the integrity of the skin is paramount, and identifying a non-blanchable erythema allows healthcare providers to initiate appropriate preventive measures, such as repositioning the patient or employing pressure-relieving devices.