Final answer:
Burns in ICD-10 are classified according to location, burn depth, and extent of the affected area, with severity ranging from first-degree to fourth-degree. The 'rule of nines' helps estimate the size of the burn.
Step-by-step explanation:
Burns are classified in the ICD-10 based on several factors, including the burn location, the depth of the burn, which can range from first-degree to fourth-degree, and the extent of the affected body area. The 'rule of nines' is utilized to estimate the size of the burn in relation to the total body surface area. The classification also takes into account the burn agent that caused the burn.
A first-degree burn affects only the epidermis and usually heals on its own, while a second-degree burn affects both the epidermis and part of the dermis, typically resulting in painful blistering. A third-degree burn extends fully into the epidermis and dermis, destroying the tissue, and often requires extensive medical treatment including possible grafting. A fourth-degree burn is even more severe, affecting muscle and bone and may necessitate amputation or skin grafting from an unaffected area or tissue culture.