An adult male sustains burns over the entire anterior trunk and the whole of the right upper limb. Using the Wallace rule of nines, what is the estimated total body surface area burned?
- A 18 percent
- B 22 percent
- C 27 percent ✓
- D 36 percent
Correct answer: C. 27 percent
Explanation
By the rule of nines, the anterior trunk accounts for 18 percent and each entire upper limb for 9 percent, giving 27 percent. The posterior trunk is separately allotted 18 percent, so option A represents an isolated anterior trunk burn. Each lower limb is 18 percent and the head 9 percent in adults, with the perineum taking the remaining 1 percent.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, K S Narayan Reddy, 34th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.