Final answer:
Mild burns are categorized as less than 10% TBSA in children, less than 20% TBSA in adults, and less than 30% TBSA in the elderly, typically treated with outpatient care. The size and severity of burns, measured by the 'rule of nines,' determine the necessary medical care, varying from outpatient treatment to potential ICU admission.
Step-by-step explanation:
Burns in children, adults, and the elderly can be classified based on the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) affected. The 'rule of nines' is often used to estimate the size of the burn area in order to make decisions about treatment and care. These classifications are stratified into mild, moderate, and severe burns and suggest different levels of medical intervention.
For children, a mild burn is typically considered to be less than 10% TBSA, adults less than 20% TBSA, and the elderly less than 30% TBSA, with the general disposition being outpatient care. Moderate and severe burns are larger in percentage and usually require inpatient care, with severe burns sometimes necessitating ICU admission. This level of burn may also require specialized treatments such as debridement or grafting.
Understanding the severity of burns is critical in providing the appropriate level of care and medical intervention to promote healing and prevent complications.