Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

The area of skin involved in a superficial burn is likely to appear how?

1. Black and charred

2. Red with slight edema

3. Pearly white and dry

4. Discolored with broken blisters

The correct answer is: Red with slight edema

In the case of a superficial burn, the skin typically affects only the outermost layer known as the epidermis. As a result, the area involved in a superficial burn usually appears red and can have slight edema, or swelling. This redness occurs due to increased blood flow to the affected area, which is part of the body's natural inflammatory response to the injury. The skin may also feel painful and sensitive to touch. In contrast, other types of burns like full-thickness burns can lead to black or charred skin, known as eschar, which indicates deeper tissue damage. Partial-thickness burns may present as discolored skin with open blisters, but the superficial burn primarily involves redness without deep blistering. Thus, the characterization of superficial burns aligns with appearing red and having slight swelling.