Which skin finding is an early sign of pressure injury that may heal with relief of pressure?

• A. Nonblanchable erythema
• B. Blanchable erythema
• C. Deep tissue edema
• D. Purple discoloration

Answer: (B)

Blanchable redness reflects reversible superficial hyperemia from pressure. When you press on a red area and it blanches (turns white) and then returns to red after pressure is removed, it means the skin is still intact and the redness is due to temporary capillary dilation. If pressure is relieved promptly, this finding often heals without lasting damage, making it the best choice for an early, reversible sign.

In contrast, nonblanchable redness suggests underlying tissue damage and is not easily reversed with just removing pressure. Deep tissue edema indicates swelling deeper in the tissues, and purple discoloration points to deeper tissue injury or hematoma—both indicate more serious, less reversible injury.