Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which symptom is typically NOT associated with a full-thickness burn?

1. Intense pain

2. Redness of the skin

3. Blisters on the surface

4. Charred or leathery appearance

The correct answer is: Intense pain

Full-thickness burns, also known as third-degree burns, involve the complete destruction of the epidermis and dermis, and extend into the subcutaneous tissue. This depth of damage results in the loss of nerve endings in the burned area, which leads to a significant decrease in pain sensation. Therefore, intense pain is typically not a symptom associated with full-thickness burns since the pain receptors have been destroyed. The other symptoms identified typically correlate with full-thickness burns. The burn site often appears charred or leathery, which is a key indicator of the severity and depth of the injury. Additionally, redness of the skin and blisters are commonly seen in less severe burns, such as first-degree or superficial second-degree burns. In full-thickness burns, while blisters may not be prominent, the absence of pain and the specific appearance of the skin are more defining features.