Classification of Burns:

Hands – 3rd Degree; Face and Chest – 2nd Degree

Burn classification is based on the depth of tissue damage and the appearance of the burn injury. Different degrees of burns are categorized to determine the severity of the injury and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

Explanation and Reference:

1. Hands – 3rd Degree (Full-Thickness Burn): A 3rd-degree burn extends through the epidermis and dermis, affecting deeper tissues. The appearance of blackened skin indicates significant damage to nerve endings and blood vessels. These burns are characterized by a lack of pain in the burned area due to nerve destruction (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

2. Face and Chest – 2nd Degree (Partial-Thickness Burn): A 2nd-degree burn involves damage to the epidermis and upper layers of the dermis, resulting in blistering and reddening of the skin. These burns are painful and typically heal within a few weeks without scarring if properly managed (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

The classification of the burns on the young girl’s hands as 3rd degree and on her face and chest as 2nd degree is determined by the depth of tissue involvement and the characteristic appearance of the burns as described above.

In summary, based on the depth of tissue damage and the visual presentation of the burns, the young girl’s hands are classified as 3rd degree burns, while her face and chest are classified as 2nd degree burns.

Reference:

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Burns. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/symptoms-causes/syc-20370539