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

A deep second-degree burn is characterized by damage that extends through the epidermis and into the dermis, which creates a significant alteration in skin structure and function. One of the noteworthy features of deep second-degree burns is the presence of painful blisters. This pain results from damage to both the sensory nerves and skin layers, leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation.

In contrast to the accurate recognition of painful blisters, the description of a deep second-degree burn as painless with loss of hair is misleading. While loss of hair may occur due to damage to hair follicles, the primary sensation associated with deep second-degree burns is pain due to dermal nerve endings being stimulated. Additionally, this level of burn requires careful management that may include wound care and, in some cases, surgical intervention, but not always immediate surgical intervention as suggested in the option about requiring it.

The hallmark of deep second-degree burns lies in their unique combination of blistering, pain, and visible damage, making it essential to identify these features correctly for effective treatment and management.