Which elements are evaluated in the skin and wound domain of the InterRAI LTCF assessment?

• A. Only current wounds and their location.
• B. Skin condition, presence of pressure ulcers or wounds, risk factors for ulcers, and wound status and healing.
• C. Pain level of wounds only.
• D. Skin color and texture alone.

Answer: (B)

The key idea this question tests is what the skin and wound domain covers in the InterRAI LTCF assessment. This domain looks at more than just whether a wound exists; it evaluates the overall health and integrity of the resident’s skin and how wounds are doing over time, which is essential for prevention and ongoing care.

It includes four interconnected elements. First, skin condition, which captures the general health of the skin—any signs of irritation, breakdown, maceration, dermatitis, or intact skin areas that could become problematic. Second, the presence of pressure ulcers or wounds, noting whether ulcers or other wounds are present and where they are located. Third, risk factors for ulcers, such as mobility limitations, incontinence, moisture, friction or shear, nutritional status, and other factors that raise the likelihood of skin breakdown. Fourth, wound status and healing, which tracks characteristics of any wounds (size, depth, stage, edges, drainage, infection signs) and how they are changing over time with treatment.

This combination is why the best answer includes skin condition, presence of ulcers or wounds, risk factors for ulcers, and wound status and healing. It’s not limited to current wounds alone, nor to pain or color/texture alone, because the domain is designed to support prevention, monitoring, and care planning by capturing the full picture of skin integrity and wound progress.