Certified Burn Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

The condition characterized by hemorrhagic blisters and visible necrosis is indicative of third degree frostbite. In this stage of frostbite, the tissue damage is severe, resulting in significant destruction of skin and underlying tissues. The formation of hemorrhagic blisters is a hallmark feature; these blisters can fill with blood due to damage to the blood vessels. Visible necrosis occurs as the tissues become devitalized due to the prolonged exposure to extreme cold, leading to a lack of blood flow and subsequent tissue death.

In contrast, lower degrees of frostbite, such as first and second degree, have milder presentations with first degree typically causing minor skin damage and second degree resulting in superficial blisters without the necrosis seen in more severe cases. Fourth degree frostbite extends beyond just skin and subcutaneous tissue into deeper structures such as muscles, tendons, and bones, leading to a more extensive and often irreversible type of damage, but without distinguishing features like hemorrhagic blisters as primarily highlighted in third degree frostbite.