Adult Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep

Answer - A - The layers of the skin from most superficial to deepest are epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fatty tissue. The epidermis is actually composed primarily of dead skin cells. Burns that involve the epidermis only are referred to as superficial burns (once called first-degree burns). Typically reddening of the skin and pain occur with superficial burns, such as sunburns. Partial-thickness burns (once called second-degree burns) involve the epidermis and dermis. Blisters may occur with partial-thickness burns. Full-thickness burns involve the subcutaneous layers as well, and may include muscle, bone, and organs.