31)ANSWER

C. Return of circulation distal to the burn

RATIONALE

•Escharotomies are performed when circumferential burns compromise circulation to the extremity.

•An incision is made down the affected extremity to relieve pressure caused by edema. The depth of the incision is limited to the eschar tissue.

•Reduced edema is an outcome of escharotomies, but edema alone does not require an escharotomy.