First Aid for Corrections Officers Practice Test

What characterizes partial-thickness burns?

1. They only damage the outermost skin layer

2. They affect the skin and underlying tissues

3. They damage the first two skin layers, and blisters may appear

4. They are only caused by chemical exposure

The correct answer is: They damage the first two skin layers, and blisters may appear

Partial-thickness burns are characterized by damage to the first two layers of the skin: the epidermis and part of the dermis. This type of burn can result in symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, and blisters, which form due to the damage to the dermis where fluid can accumulate. The presence of blisters is significant because it indicates that the injury extends beyond just the outermost layer of skin, distinguishing partial-thickness burns from superficial burns that only affect the epidermis. While the other options mention important aspects of burns, they either describe different burn depths, the causes of burns, or are overly simplistic in their definition of partial-thickness burns. Understanding the specific layers affected is crucial for assessing severity and determining the appropriate first aid treatment.