Ivy Tech CNA Program Exam 3 Practice 2026 - Free CNA Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The concept here is recognizing early signs of tissue damage from pressure. Early signs are localized to the area under pressure and reflect the skin’s response to sustained pressure over a bony prominence. Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence is an early sign because the redness does not fade when pressed, signaling underlying capillary damage. Warmth and swelling over the same area indicate inflammation and tissue fluid buildup, which are also early indicators. Texture changes—such as the skin becoming firmer, softer, or more indurated—reflect evolving tissue integrity at the site.

Itching distant from pressure points, however, does not indicate early pressure injury. It’s not specific to the localized skin changes caused by sustained pressure and can result from dryness, irritation, allergies, or other skin conditions unrelated to the pressure site.