National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

A burn characterized by marked edema and waxy discoloration fits the criteria for a deep partial-thickness burn. This type of burn involves damage that extends deeper into the dermis but does not completely destroy the skin layers, which distinguishes it from full-thickness burns.

In deep partial-thickness burns, there is typically damage to both the epidermis and a significant portion of the dermis, which can result in changes in coloration, such as a waxy appearance due to the destruction of blood vessels. Marked edema is also common as inflammation occurs in response to the injury. The presence of these features indicates that there is deeper injury than what would be seen in a superficial or superficial partial-thickness burn.

Overall, the classification as a deep partial-thickness burn is based on the depth of tissue injury and the associated clinical findings, such as the degree of edema and the specific coloration of the skin.