New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

Which type of burn includes damage to the epidermis and part of the dermis?

1. Full-thickness burn

2. Partial-thickness burn

3. Superficial burn

4. Electrical burn

The correct answer is: Partial-thickness burn

A partial-thickness burn involves damage to both the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin, and a portion of the dermis, the layer beneath it. This type of burn can be classified into two categories: superficial partial-thickness burns, which affect the uppermost layers of the dermis, and deep partial-thickness burns, which penetrate deeper into the dermis but do not extend completely through it. Partial-thickness burns are characterized by symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, and blistering due to the involvement of nerve endings and blood vessels in the dermis. This distinguishes them from superficial burns, which only affect the epidermis and typically heal without causing significant damage or scarring. Full-thickness burns, on the other hand, destroy both the epidermis and dermis and may even damage deeper tissues, resulting in more severe clinical implications. Electrical burns can involve multiple layers of tissue as well, but they are specifically a result of electrical current passing through the body, leading to unique pathophysiological changes and a spectrum of damage beyond standard thermal burns. Therefore, the classification of burns is essential for determining appropriate treatment and management strategies, making the identification of partial-thickness burns particularly important in emergency medical settings.