Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

What is the most common type of burn injury?

1. Electric

2. Chemical

3. Friction

4. Thermal

The correct answer is: Thermal

The most common type of burn injury is thermal burns. These occur when the skin comes into direct contact with sources of heat, including flames, hot liquids (scalds), steam, or hot objects. Thermal burns are prevalent because they can result from everyday accidents, such as spills from hot beverages, exposure to flames while cooking, or contact with heated surfaces. Thermal burns can vary in severity, from first-degree burns, which affect only the outer layer of skin, to more severe second and third-degree burns that can damage deeper layers of skin and underlying tissues. Due to their frequency and the various situations in which individuals can sustain them, thermal burns are considered the most common burn type encountered in medical settings. In contrast, while electric, chemical, and friction burns can also occur, they are less frequent compared to thermal burns. Electric burns typically involve high voltages and can cause significant internal injury beyond the skin. Chemical burns arise from contact with corrosive substances and may require specific neutralization treatment. Friction burns generally occur due to abrasive contact with surfaces and are more specific to certain activities, making them less common overall than thermal burns.