Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What type of injury requires immediate medical attention?

1. Minor cuts

2. Second degree burns

3. Fourth degree burns

4. Sunburns

The correct answer is: Fourth degree burns

Fourth degree burns require immediate medical attention due to their severity and the potential for serious complications. These burns extend through the skin and underlying tissues, including muscles, tendons, and bones, leading to significant damage. Because they can destroy nerve endings, the affected area may not be painful initially, which can mislead individuals into underestimating their severity. Immediate medical intervention is crucial for fourth degree burns to prevent infection, assess damage, and begin appropriate treatment, which may include surgery or skin grafting. In contrast, minor cuts typically do not require immediate medical care unless they show signs of infection or do not stop bleeding after a reasonable amount of time. Second degree burns can be serious and often require professional evaluation, but they usually manifest with blisters and occur on a person’s outer layer and possibly the second layer of skin, and may not be as critical as fourth degree burns. Sunburns, while uncomfortable and sometimes serious if extensive, generally require supportive care rather than urgent medical attention unless they are severe and result in other complications. This context reinforces the necessity of immediate care for fourth degree burns, making them the correct answer in this scenario.