What signifies a Stage 2 pressure ulcer?

A Stage 2 pressure ulcer is characterized by a partial thickness loss of skin with exposed dermis. This means that there is a break in the skin's integrity, revealing a wound that is moist and often presents with a fleshy pink base. The skin might not have a significant amount of dead tissue, and the area is typically painful due to nerve endings being closer to the surface. This is different from deeper ulcers that penetrate through the dermis.

The other characteristics described do not align with the definition of a Stage 2 ulcer. The visibility of bright red muscle suggests a deeper and more severe ulcer, indicating a more advanced stage. Intact skin integrity and non-blanching redness also describe different conditions and stages of pressure ulcers rather than a Stage 2 presentation. Hence, the defining aspect of a Stage 2 pressure ulcer is indeed the presence of a break in the skin with a fleshy pink base.