Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

Moist desquamation in areas other than skin folds with bleeding indicates which grade of radiation dermatitis?

1. Grade 1

2. Grade 2

3. Grade 3

4. Grade 4

The correct answer is: Grade 3

Moist desquamation involving areas other than skin folds with bleeding is indicative of Grade 3 radiation dermatitis. This grade represents a more severe level of skin reaction to radiation therapy, where the skin becomes moist and weepy, and may also show signs of bleeding. In this context, the presence of moist desquamation signifies a breakdown of the skin's integrity and a potential loss of the epidermis, leading to exposure of the underlying layers. The bleeding suggests significant damage that goes beyond superficial changes, correlating with a marked inflammatory response and tissue response to radiation. Grade 1 and Grade 2 dermatitis typically present with mild symptoms like erythema or dry desquamation, but do not include the severity or complexity indicated by moist desquamation and bleeding. Grade 4 represents a severe level of injury that might include necrosis and requires more intensive medical intervention, going beyond the symptoms observed in Grade 3. Thus, the characteristics described in the question are best aligned with Grade 3 radiation dermatitis.