Which of the following describes the signs of a partial thickness burn?

A partial thickness burn, also known as a second-degree burn, typically affects both the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) and a part of the dermis (the second layer of skin). The defining characteristics of this type of burn include redness, blisters, and moderate to severe pain.

The redness occurs due to inflammation in response to the injury, while blisters form as a protective response to prevent infection and allow for the healing of the damaged skin layers. The presence of pain is attributed to the involvement of the nerve endings in the affected areas, which remain intact in partial thickness burns.

This understanding is essential for recognizing the severity of burns and determining appropriate first aid measures that may include cooling the burn, covering it with a sterile dressing, and advising medical evaluation for further care if necessary. Thus, the signs mentioned encapsulate the symptoms typically expected in a partial thickness burn scenario.