Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which type of burn is characterized by intense pain and destruction of a portion of the dermis?

1. Full-thickness burn

2. Superficial burn

3. Partial-thickness burn

4. Deep partial-thickness burn

The correct answer is: Partial-thickness burn

The type of burn characterized by intense pain and destruction of a portion of the dermis is the partial-thickness burn. This type of burn affects not only the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, but also extends into the dermis, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The damage to the dermis leads to the intense pain commonly associated with partial-thickness burns because nerve endings in this layer are still intact and can react to stimuli. In partial-thickness burns, the skin may appear red, swollen, and blistered, and the presence of blisters is a key indicator of damage that is less than full-thickness. These burns typically heal without significant scarring, depending on the depth of the damage and subsequent care. Full-thickness burns, on the other hand, extend through all layers of the skin, often causing nerve endings to be destroyed. This can lead to a lack of pain in the burned area since the nerve endings are no longer functional. Superficial burns only affect the epidermis and are usually painful yet heal quickly without complications. Deep partial-thickness burns penetrate further but are still not as damaging as full-thickness burns. Understanding these distinctions helps in the appropriate assessment and management of burns for