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A woman was cleaning with ammonia and spilled it on her leg. She has chemical burns on the front of her upper leg. Approximately what percentage of her body is burned?

User Meredian
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Final answer:

The front of the upper leg represents about 4.5% of the body's surface area. Thus, the woman who spilled ammonia on her leg has approximately 4.5% of her body burned. Ammonia, a chemical used in cleaning products, can cause chemical burns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking about the percentage of body surface area that has been affected by a chemical burn due to an ammonia spill. To estimate the affected body surface area, medical professionals use a guideline known as the Rule of Nines, which divides the body into sections that are approximately 9% of the body surface area each. The front of the upper leg, according to this rule, would be considered as 9% for each leg or 4.5% per leg if only considering the front or the back. Since it is only the front of one upper leg that has been burned, approximately 4.5% of her body is burned.

Ammonia, which is a compound made up of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3), can cause chemical burns upon contact with skin, necessitating caution while handling.

Warning: Chemical burns can be severe, highlighting the importance of safety when working with chemicals such as household cleaners that contain ammonia.

User Peter Munnings
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