Question

It is documented that a patient has superficial partial-thickness burns over both anterior lower arms. What should the nurse expect when assessing this patient?

1) Dry with no blisters
2) Waxy appearance and cherry red in color
3) Dry leathery appearance and pale or brown in color
4) Open or closed blisters, mild edema, easily blanches

Answer 1

For superficial partial-thickness burns, a nurse should expect to see open or closed blisters, mild edema, and skin that easily blanches, indicative of second-degree burns which involve blistering and swelling.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a patient with superficial partial-thickness burns over both anterior lower arms, a nurse should expect to see option 4) Open or closed blisters, mild edema, easily blanches. These characteristics describe second-degree burns, which affect both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis resulting in painful swelling and blistering of the skin. Such burns must be kept clean and sterile to prevent infection and will typically heal within weeks if properly cared for.