California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

If a resident burned their leg with hot soup and the skin is blistered and red, what type of burn do they have?

1. Full thickness burn

2. Partial thickness burn

3. First degree burn

4. Superficial burn

The correct answer is: Partial thickness burn

A burn with blistered and red skin indicates a partial thickness burn. This type of burn affects both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and a portion of the underlying layer (dermis). The presence of blisters is a key characteristic associated with partial thickness burns, as they form due to fluid accumulation between the layers of the skin as a response to injury. The redness is indicative of inflammation, which is also common in partial thickness burns as the body responds to tissue damage. Partial thickness burns can be painful and typically require appropriate medical assessment and care, as they may lead to complications if not treated properly. In contrast, full thickness burns involve the complete destruction of both the epidermis and dermis, resulting in a dry, leathery appearance without blistering. First degree burns affect only the outer layer and typically present with redness and minor pain but do not form blisters. Superficial burns refer to minimal damage, often equivalent to a first degree burn.