Final answer:
Burn classification is based on thickness, extent, location, and cause. Burn thickness is categorized from first to fourth degree, with fourth-degree being the most severe. The 'rule of nines' is used to estimate the extent of burn based on body area percentage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The components of burn classification include the thickness of the burn, which refers to the degree, from first to fourth. First-degree burns affect only the epidermis and typically heal on their own, while fourth-degree burns are the most severe, damaging not just the skin but also the underlying muscle and bone. In addition to thickness, burns are also classified by the extent of the burn, commonly measured with the 'rule of nines,' providing a percentage based on the body area affected. Other components include the location of the burn on the body and the cause of the burn. Treatment decisions are often guided by these classifications and the details surrounding the severity and size of the burn.