A 35-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after sustaining injuries in a kitchen grease fire. On examination, he is alert and oriented. His blood pressure is 125/80 mm Hg, heart rate is 98/min, and respiratory rate is 16/min. Physical examination reveals deep partial-thickness burns involving the entire anterior surface of his chest and abdomen, as well as the entire anterior surface of both arms. His airway is patent with no signs of inhalational injury. Using the Rule of Nines, what is the estimated total body surface area (TBSA) percentage affected by these burns?
Answer: 27 %
Answer
27
Based on the Rule of Nines for adults, the anterior trunk (chest and abdomen) accounts for 18% of the total body surface area. The entire surface of one arm accounts for 9%, meaning the anterior surface of one arm is 4.5%. Since the anterior surfaces of both arms are involved, this contributes an additional 9% (4.5% x 2). Adding these values together yields a total estimated burn area of 27% (18% + 9%).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Rule of Nines is a standardized method used to quickly estimate the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by partial-thickness and full-thickness burns in adults, which is essential for guiding fluid resuscitation.