A 25-year-old patient has partial-thickness injuries over 20% TBSA. How is this injury classified?

A partial-thickness burn covering 20% of the total body surface area (TBSA) is classified as a moderate burn. This classification is based on both the depth of the burn and the percentage of TBSA affected. In burn care, partial-thickness burns are those that damage the epidermis and extend into the dermis. When these burns cover 10% to 20% TBSA in adults, they are typically termed moderate burns because they can lead to complications but usually respond well to treatment without extensive intervention.

Understanding the classification is critical for effective management and treatment planning, as it informs the healthcare team about the potential risks associated with the patient's burn injuries and the necessary level of care. Moderate burns usually require more than outpatient management and may necessitate hospitalization, depending on the patient’s overall health, age, and other underlying factors. Therefore, when assessing burn classification, it's essential to consider both TBSA and injury depth to determine the appropriate care required.