Your patient is a toddler who was burned when he accidentally pulled the cord of a deep fryer sitting on a countertop and spilled hot oil on his head and back. He has burns to the back half of his head, as well as his entire back. What percentage of total body surface area does this account for?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the "Rule of Nines" used for estimating the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns in adults, the entire head accounts for 9% and the entire back accounts for 18%. However, in children and toddlers, the head accounts for a larger percentage of the body surface area due to their different body proportions. For a toddler, the head can be estimated to account for approximately 18% of the body surface area, and the back would still account for 18%. Therefore, the total body surface area affected by the burns in this case would be 18% (head) + 18% (back) = 36%. However, the correct interpretation of the question and the specific percentages provided in the options suggest a need for adjustment in the calculation or understanding of the pediatric considerations. Given the options provided and considering pediatric adjustments, the closest and most appropriate estimate provided is 27%, acknowledging that pediatric calculations can vary and the specific percentages for pediatric patients might not directly align with the "Rule of Nines" as it does for adults.

Your Patient Is a Toddler Who Was Burned When He