Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Ensure Exam Success!

A second-degree burn is characterized by blistering and severe pain. This type of burn affects both the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) and the dermis (the underlying layer). The damage to these layers results in redness, swelling, and blister formation, which are key indicators of second-degree burns. The presence of blisters is particularly notable as they are filled with fluid and can be painful to the touch, contributing to the individual's discomfort.

In contrast, first-degree burns primarily affect only the epidermis, leading to redness and pain but without the formation of blisters. Third-degree burns extend deeper into the dermis and can destroy nerve endings, often resulting in a lack of pain in the burned area due to nerve damage. Fourth-degree burns penetrate through the skin into underlying tissues, such as muscles and bones, and also do not present with blistering or significant pain in the burned area. Therefore, the distinctive features of blistering and severe pain identified in second-degree burns are what make this the correct answer.