Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The description of the burn as dry, leathery, with areas of white, brown, and charred skin and no sensation indicates that it is a full-thickness burn, which extends through all layers of the skin and may affect underlying tissues. Full-thickness burns are often painless due to nerve destruction. A superficial burn is incorrect because it would be painful and would involve only the top layer of skin, typically presenting with redness and swelling. A superficial partial-thickness burn is also characterized by pain and would present with blisters and be pink to red in color, which is not consistent with the burn described. Lastly, a deep partial-thickness burn would have intense pain and possibly blisters, unlike the painless and leathery appearance described.