American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What defines a third-degree burn?

1. Red and blistered skin

2. Painful and red

3. Leathery and charred appearance

4. Minimal damage to epidermis

The correct answer is: Leathery and charred appearance

A third-degree burn is characterized by a leathery and charred appearance of the skin. This type of burn extends through all layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and may also affect underlying tissues such as fat, muscle, and bone. Because the nerve endings in the skin are destroyed, the area may not be painful initially, contrasting with the presentation of first and second-degree burns, which are typically red, blistered, and painful. The destruction of skin structure results in a dry and leathery texture, and due to the severity of the damage, third-degree burns require medical intervention for treatment, often necessitating skin grafts or surgical procedures to promote healing. The characteristics of other types of burns help illustrate the distinctive features of third-degree burns. For instance, first-degree burns generally involve redness and minor discomfort, while second-degree burns have blisters and significant pain, indicating that the nerve endings are still intact. Minimal damage to the epidermis reflects the superficial nature of first-degree burns, which do not penetrate as deeply as third-degree burns. Thus, the defining features of a third-degree burn are crucial for proper assessment and management in clinical practice.