Which characteristic is associated with second degree frostbite?

Second-degree frostbite is characterized by redness and the presence of superficial blistering. This stage of frostbite involves damage to the skin and underlying tissues, where the epidermis and part of the dermis are affected. The redness indicates inflammation and increased blood flow as the body attempts to protect the affected area. The development of blisters is a response to tissue damage and occurs as the body tries to separate the damaged layers from the healthier tissues underneath. These blisters are typically filled with clear fluid, indicating a more severe injury than first-degree frostbite, where only the outer layer of skin is affected, leading to redness and swelling without blistering.

In contrast, the other choices describe characteristics associated with different degrees or types of tissue damage. Full thickness tissue loss usually refers to third-degree frostbite, where the damage extends through the skin into the underlying tissues. No blistering is characteristic of first-degree frostbite, where only the outer layer is affected, and black discoloration suggests tissue necrosis, often seen in severe frostbite cases where the tissue becomes gangrenous.