Final answer:
The correct estimate for an adult burn patient's percent of total body surface area affected is the area covered by the patient's palm, which is approximately 5%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer when estimating an adult burn patient's percent of total body surface area (TBSA) affected is option b) The area covered by the patient's palm is approximately 5%. This follows the 'rule of nines,' which associates specific anatomical areas with a percentage of body area. The palm is considered to be around 1% of the TBSA, so the entire palm corresponds to approximately 5% of the TBSA.
When estimating an adult burn patient's percent of total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns, two key pieces of information are commonly used. Firstly, the area covered by the patient's own palm (not including fingers) is approximately 1% of their total body surface area, and this can be used as a rough guide to assess the extent of smaller burns. Secondly, the perineum is also considered to represent approximately 1% of the total body surface area. These estimations are part of a larger system called the "rule of nines," which is utilized by medical professionals to approximate the affected TBSA in burn patients and make decisions about the need for specialized treatment.