During the initial assessment of a burn patient, the nurse notes the presence of blisters. What type of burn is this indicative of?

The presence of blisters during the initial assessment of a burn patient is indicative of a partial-thickness burn. Partial-thickness burns, also known as second-degree burns, affect both the epidermis and the dermis layers of the skin. The formation of blisters is a hallmark of this type of burn, as the damage to the dermis leads to fluid accumulation between the layers of skin. This fluid can raise the epidermis, resulting in blistering. The skin may appear red, swollen, and may be painful, as nerve endings are still intact in the superficial layers.

In contrast, first-degree burns, characterized by redness and pain without blisters, only affect the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Full-thickness burns involve the complete destruction of the epidermis and dermis, leading to a leathery appearance without sensitivity to pain due to the destruction of nerve endings. Superficial burns, also referred to as first-degree burns, are similar in nature, affecting only the uppermost layer of the skin and not presenting any blister formation. Thus, the identification of blisters directly points to a partial-thickness burn as the correct answer.