Question

Carl Thomas is admitted to the burn unit one hour after sustaining a burn. Gasoline ignited Mr. Thomas' pants while he was filling his lawn mower. The burn injury involves the anterior portions of both legs, and the abdomen and chest. The burns on his legs are dry and leathery in appearance, while the burns on his abdomen are red and weepy with blisters. The burns on his chest are red and dry, and they blanche with pressure. Using the rule of 95, what is the approximate size of Mr. Thomas' burn area? 9% 18% 27% 36% 45%

Answer 1

Using the rule of nines, Mr. Thomas' burn area is approximately 36% of his body surface area, with 18% from the anterior portions of both legs and another 18% from the abdomen and chest.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the approximate size of Mr. Thomas' burn area, we can use the rule of nines, which is a method for estimating the total body surface area affected by a burn. The rule of nines divides the body into areas that are each approximately 9% of the body's total surface area or multiples of 9%. According to this rule, the anterior portion of an adult's leg is 9% for each leg, and the anterior portion of the torso (including the chest and abdomen) is 18% for the full front.

Mr. Thomas has burns on the anterior portions of both legs, which is 9% for each leg, totaling 18%. He also has burns on his abdomen and chest. Since the abdomen and chest together comprise the full front of the torso, this would be another 18%. When these percentages are added together, the total is 18% (legs) + 18% (abdomen and chest) = 36%.

Therefore, the approximate size of Mr. Thomas' burn area is 36%.

Answer 2

The rule of nines is a method used to estimate the percentage of body surface area that has been burned in an adult. According to this rule, each major body part is roughly 9% of the total body surface area.

In Mr. Thomas' case, we can estimate the size of the burn area as follows:

Both legs: 2 x 9% = 18%

Abdomen and chest: 18%

Total burn area: 18% + 18% = 36%

Therefore, the approximate size of Mr. Thomas' burn area is 36%.