Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

A deep partial-thickness burn typically takes how many days to heal?

1. 2-5 days

2. 5-21 days

3. 21-35 days

4. More than 35 days

The correct answer is: 5-21 days

A deep partial-thickness burn, also known as a second-degree burn, involves damage to both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. Healing of this type of burn generally occurs within 5 to 21 days, depending on various factors such as the patient's overall health, the severity of the burn, and the adequacy of care provided. During the healing process, the body works to replace the damaged skin cells and restore the integrity of the skin. In contrast to superficial burns, which may heal quickly due to their limited depth of damage, deep partial-thickness burns require more time for the dermis to heal, as there are more extensive structures to regenerate, including hair follicles and sweat glands. Understanding the expected healing time is important in clinical practice as it helps with setting realistic expectations for patients and planning appropriate rehabilitation strategies during recovery. Factors that may extend healing beyond this timeframe include infection, inadequate wound care, and underlying medical conditions that impair healing. Hence, the range of 5 to 21 days accurately reflects the healing process for deep partial-thickness burns.