AAPC A/P Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) Practice Exam

Second-degree burns are classified as partial-thickness burns because they affect both the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of the skin. These burns typically result in symptoms such as redness, swelling, and blisters, and they can be quite painful. The involvement of the dermis in partial-thickness burns distinguishes them from first-degree burns, which only involve the epidermis and present with redness and minor pain without blisters.

In contrast, superficial burns are classified as first-degree burns, impacting only the outer layer of skin. Full-thickness burns extend through the epidermis and dermis into deeper tissues, often resulting in a loss of sensation due to nerve damage. Burns caused by radiation can vary in their classification depending on the depth of skin involvement and may not specifically refer to a second-degree classification without additional context on the depth of tissue affected.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate documentation and treatment planning in a clinical setting.