In a partial-thickness burn, which symptom would the nurse expect to observe?

In a partial-thickness burn, the presence of blisters is a hallmark symptom. This type of burn involves the epidermis and part of the dermis, leading to the formation of fluid-filled blisters as the body’s response to injury. These blisters serve as a protective layer, helping to safeguard the underlying tissues while signaling that there has been damage to the skin.

In contrast, the other symptoms listed are more indicative of deeper or more severe burn types. For example, exposed fascia and exposed muscles are signs of full-thickness burns, where all layers of the skin and underlying structures are damaged. Intact nerve endings would not be found in severe burns that destroy the layers of skin and associated nerves; in partial-thickness burns, while some nerve endings may remain intact, partial loss of sensation could occur due to damage. Hence, blisters are the primary symptom expected in partial-thickness burns and are crucial for assessment and management.