Surgery · Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ATLS, Burns, Abdominal Trauma, Head Injury)

Using the Rule of Nines, calculate the TBSA burned in an adult with burns to the entire anterior trunk, both anterior arms, and the entire head.

  • A 27%
  • B 36%
  • C 40%
  • D 45%
Correct answer: B. 36%

Explanation

Anterior trunk is 18%, both anterior arms are 9% total (4.5% each), and the entire head is 9%. The sum is 18 + 9 + 9 = 36%. The Rule of Nines assigns 9% to the head, 9% to each upper limb, 18% to the anterior trunk, 18% to the posterior trunk, 18% to each lower limb, and 1% to the perineum.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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