American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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Prepare for the AACN Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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Sunburn is classified as which type of burn?

Second degree
Friction
Chemical
Radiation

The correct answer is: Radiation

Sunburn is classified as a radiation burn because it results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, typically from the sun. This type of burn occurs when the skin absorbs UV rays, leading to damage in the epidermal layers. The body's inflammatory response to this damage manifests as redness, swelling, and pain, commonly associated with sunburn. Understanding sunburn as a radiation burn is crucial in contexts such as public health education, where awareness about UV exposure and skin protection can help individuals avoid severe skin injuries and long-term effects, including skin cancer. The other types of burns, such as second-degree, friction, and chemical burns, arise from different mechanisms and interactions with the skin, making them distinct from radiation burns.