Final answer:
The modified 'rule of nines' in pediatric patients accounts for the different proportions between adult and child anatomy. The most accurate statement is that each upper extremity is 9.5% of total body surface area in children, not 13.5% as it applies to adults. The portions for other body parts such as the head, legs, and torso also differ in children.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rule of nines is a method for estimating the total body surface area affected by burns, which is crucial in assessing and managing patients with burn injuries. In pediatric patients, the body surface area percentages differ from adults due to the different body proportions of children. The most accurate choice from the given options is B) Upper extremities are 13.5 percent each.
For pediatric patients:
- The head and neck typically account for a larger percentage compared to adults, often around 18%.
- Each arm (or upper extremity) counts for approximately 9.5% in children (not 13.5% as stated, which applies to adults).
- Each leg (or lower extremity) accounts for about 13.5%, which varies slightly depending on the age of the child (not the correct answer).
- The anterior and posterior chest and abdomen also have adapted percentages in pediatric patients.
- The groin area (external genitalia) remains 1% for both adults and children.
Therefore, the answer B) Upper extremities are 13.5 percent each, is not correctly stating the pediatric percentages according to the rule of nines, which is around 9.5% for each upper extremity in children.