Question

A client is admitted to the hospital emergency department after receiving a burn injury in a house fire. The skin on the client's trunk is tan, dry, and hard. It is edematous but not very painful. The nurse determines that this client's burn should be classified as which type?

1) First-degree burn
2) Second-degree burn
3) Third-degree burn
4) Fourth-degree burn

Answer 1

The burn injury described with tan, dry, and hard skin along with edema but not very painful is classified as a third-degree burn. Third-degree burns result in tissue destruction extending through the epidermis and dermis and necessitate medical attention for proper healing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client's burn is described as having dry, hard, tan skin that is edematous but not very painful, which corresponds to a third-degree burn. A third-degree burn fully extends into the epidermis and dermis, destroying the tissue and affecting the nerves, thus explaining why the area is not as painful due to nerve damage.

A first-degree burn is a superficial burn affecting only the epidermis with symptoms like redness and minor pain, similar to a sunburn. A second-degree burn affects both the epidermis and part of the dermis, causing swelling and blistering of the skin. A fourth-degree burn is more severe, going beyond the skin and involving underlying muscles and bones, which may appear mummified.

The severity of burns requires varying levels of medical treatment. Third-degree burns necessitate professional medical attention and can involve procedures such as debridement or grafting. It is crucial to avoid infection risks by maintaining a sterile environment around the injury.