Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

A burn with complete destruction of the epidermis and dermis, showing broken blisters and potential moderate pain, is classified as?

1. Superficial burn

2. Superficial partial-thickness burn

3. Deep partial-thickness burn

4. Full-thickness burn

The correct answer is: Deep partial-thickness burn

The classification of burns is based on the depth of tissue damage and the corresponding clinical presentation. A burn characterized by the complete destruction of both the epidermis and dermis, with the presence of broken blisters and potential moderate pain, is indicative of a deep partial-thickness burn. In this type of burn, the damage extends deeper into the skin layers, affecting more than just the superficial layers, which contributes to a more severe injury compared to superficial or superficial partial-thickness burns. Though the dermis is damaged, some dermal structures may remain intact, leading to moderate pain as nerve endings are still present. The presence of broken blisters is also a key feature; they indicate significant skin damage but do not fully destroy all dermal components, distinguishing it from a full-thickness burn, where pain is often minimized due to complete destruction of nerve endings. Understanding these characteristics helps healthcare professionals assess the severity of the burn and plan appropriate treatment, which is essential for recovery and healing.