A nurse is providing education to a community group about burn prevention. Which of the following is an example of a first-degree burn?
Excessive scarring
Blistering from flames
Blackened dead skin
A sunburn
The Correct Answer is D
A. Excessive scarring:
Excessive scarring is not an example of a first-degree burn. It typically occurs in more severe burns that affect deeper layers of the skin, such as second-degree or third-degree burns. Second-degree burns extend into the dermis, while third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin and can lead to significant scarring. First-degree burns, on the other hand, only affect the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and usually do not result in excessive scarring.
B. Blistering from flames:
Blistering from flames is more characteristic of a second-degree burn rather than a first-degree burn. Second-degree burns involve damage to both the epidermis and part of the dermis, which can result in blister formation. These burns are often caused by direct contact with flames, hot liquids, or steam.
C. Blackened dead skin:
Blackened dead skin is indicative of a third-degree burn, which is the most severe type of burn. Third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and sometimes underlying tissues. The skin may appear charred or blackened, and these burns often require medical intervention, such as skin grafting, due to the extent of tissue damage.
D. A sunburn:
A sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn. It occurs due to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, leading to redness, pain, and mild swelling of the skin. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and typically heal within a few days without significant scarring or blistering. Applying soothing lotions, staying hydrated, and avoiding further sun exposure can help manage sunburns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A 60-year-old client with gastritis:
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and typically does not directly increase the risk of skin infections. However, if the gastritis is due to an underlying condition that affects the immune system, such as an autoimmune disorder, the client may have a slightly higher risk of infections, including skin infections, compared to a healthy individual of the same age. Overall, gastritis alone is not a significant risk factor for skin infections compared to the other options.
B. A 20-year-old client with a closed tibia fracture:
A closed tibia fracture refers to a broken shinbone that does not break the skin. While fractures themselves do not necessarily increase the risk of skin infections, they can indirectly contribute to infection risk if there are complications such as open wounds, surgical procedures, or prolonged immobilization. In this case, because the fracture is closed and presumably not complicated by open wounds or surgery, this client is not significantly prone to skin infections compared to the other options.
C. A 55-year-old client taking an ACE inhibitor:
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors are medications commonly used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure. While these medications can cause side effects like a dry cough or skin rash in some individuals, they do not directly increase the risk of skin infections. Unless the client experiences a severe allergic reaction or develops a rash that becomes infected, the use of ACE inhibitors alone is not a major risk factor for skin infections compared to the other options.
D. A 35-year-old client receiving chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer that works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells but also affecting some healthy cells like those in the bone marrow responsible for producing white blood cells. As a result, chemotherapy can significantly weaken the immune system, leading to a higher risk of infections, including skin infections. Patients undergoing chemotherapy are particularly susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections due to their compromised immune response. Therefore, the 35-year-old client receiving chemotherapy is the most prone to skin infections among the options given due to their weakened immune system.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Electrical burns can have small amounts of skin damage, but more extensive damage beneath the skin.
This response is the best choice because it educates the client about the potential for deeper tissue damage associated with electrical burns. It acknowledges that while the burn on the skin may appear small, the damage underneath could be more extensive, affecting muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
B. Electrical burns commonly cause reddened/purplish skin without blistering.
This statement is not the best response because it focuses solely on the appearance of the skin without addressing the potential for deeper tissue damage. While it is true that electrical burns can present with reddened or purplish skin without blistering, this response does not provide comprehensive information about the nature and severity of electrical burns.
C. Electrical burns typically are minor.
This response is incorrect because it downplays the seriousness of electrical burns. While some electrical burns may indeed be minor, others can cause significant tissue damage and complications. It's important for the nurse to educate the client about the range of severity that electrical burns can present.
D. Electrical burns usually cause much more skin damage than what can be seen on your skin.
This statement is partially accurate but does not provide as much information as choice A. While it acknowledges that electrical burns can cause more damage than what is visible on the skin's surface, it doesn't emphasize the potential for deeper tissue damage as effectively as choice A does.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today