You are a nurse working in an outpatient clinic. A 22-year-old female arrives after spending the entire day at the beach without sun protection. She complains of red, painful skin on her shoulders and upper back Which of the following best describes a first-degree burn?

Rationale: A. Burns involving subcutaneous tissue with white or charred skin describe third-degree burns, which extend through all layers of the skin and underlying tissues. These burns may be painless due to nerve destruction. B. Burns that involve both the epidermis and dermis with moisture and blisters describe second-degree (partial-thickness) burns. These are typically more severe than first-degree burns and often require more intensive wound care. C. Burns that involve all layers of skin and may be painless due to nerve damage also describe third-degree (full-thickness) burns, not first-degree burns. D. First-degree burns involve only the epidermis, presenting as red, dry, and painful skin without blisters. Sunburn is a classic example. These burns usually heal within 3–6 days without scarring, and pain is due to intact nerve endings in the epidermis.