Which description corresponds to a full-thickness burn involving epidermis, all dermal layers, extending to subcutaneous tissue?

• A. Full-thickness burns (3rd degree)
• B. Partial-thickness burn
• C. Superficial burn
• D. Fourth-degree burn

Answer: (A)

Depth of tissue injury is being tested here. A full-thickness burn means the epidermis and entire dermis are destroyed, and it often extends into the subcutaneous tissue. Because the nerve endings in the dermis are damaged, the area can be insensate or have markedly reduced sensation. The skin often appears dry, leathery, and may look pale, red, or charred. This is more severe than superficial or partial-thickness burns, which involve only the epidermis or part of the dermis and typically blister and are very painful. A fourth-degree burn would extend beyond the subcutaneous tissue into muscle or bone. The description given matches a full-thickness (third-degree) burn.