Which of the following analysis methods can help assess the depth of a burn?

The correct choice, physical examination, is essential for assessing the depth of a burn because it allows a medical professional to evaluate the characteristics of the burn firsthand. During a physical examination, the clinician can observe key factors such as the color, texture, and extent of the damaged tissue, which helps in determining not just the surface appearance but also the underlying layers affected. This hands-on assessment is crucial as different burn depths (e.g., first-degree, second-degree, third-degree) have specific clinical signs that can be visually and tactically identified during an examination.

Other methods, while they may provide supportive information, do not offer the same level of direct insight. Computer-generated images can be useful for documentation or treatment planning but do not replace the need for an actual physical assessment to determine the burn depth accurately. Relying solely on patient history can provide context regarding the burn incident but lacks the specificity required to assess the physical condition of the burn. Measuring the surrounding skin temperature may give additional data on blood flow and can suggest inflammation, but it does not directly determine the burn's depth. Therefore, physical examination stands out as the most effective and straightforward method for assessing burn depth.