North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What color and pain level are associated with superficial burns?

1. Red, pain, with blisters

2. Red, pain, no blisters

3. Black, no pain, dry

4. White, severe pain, blisters

The correct answer is: Red, pain, no blisters

Superficial burns, also known as first-degree burns, primarily affect the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis. The characteristics of superficial burns include a reddish color, moderate pain, and the absence of blisters. This occurs because the injury only impacts the outermost skin layer, leading to inflammation and redness due to increased blood flow to the area, contributing to the sensation of pain. In terms of pain, these burns are typically painful because the nerve endings in the epidermis can be stimulated by the injury. However, because the deeper layers of the skin remain intact, blisters do not form, which is a key distinguishing factor from deeper burns like second-degree burns. Thus, the correct characteristics of superficial burns include redness, the presence of pain, and the lack of blisters, aligning perfectly with the chosen answer.