Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

How would you describe a second-degree burn?

1. It only involves the upper skin layer

2. It extends to the dermis with pain and blistering

3. It causes minimal damage and redness

4. It is characterized by significant pain without blisters

The correct answer is: It extends to the dermis with pain and blistering

A second-degree burn is characterized by extending into the dermis, the deeper layer of skin beneath the outer epidermis. This type of burn typically presents both pain and blistering, which are key indicators of injury to the skin's more sensitive layers. The pain can be quite severe due to exposure of nerve endings in the dermis, while the formation of blisters is a protective mechanism that the body employs to shield the underlying tissues from further damage and infection. Understanding these symptoms is vital for proper first aid management and for recognizing the potential need for medical intervention. In contrast, the other descriptions refer to different levels of burns: the first option describes a first-degree burn, which only affects the outer layer and usually manifests with mild pain and redness. The third option represents superficial or mild burns, indicating limited injury. The last option refers to characteristics that are more aligned with certain types of injuries that do not involve blisters, often seen in first-degree or superficial partial-thickness burns, but not appropriate for second-degree burns.