Using the rule of nines, what is the total body surface area (TBSA) percentage for a patient with superficial partial-thickness burns on the anterior trunk and deep partial-thickness burns on the right arm?

The total body surface area (TBSA) percentage for burns can be assessed using the "rule of nines," which divides the body into sections that represent approximately 9% or multiples of 9% of the total body surface area.

In this scenario, the patient has superficial partial-thickness burns on the anterior trunk and deep partial-thickness burns on the right arm. Using the rule of nines, the anterior trunk accounts for 18% of the TBSA (9% for the anterior chest and 9% for the abdomen). This percentage is designated for the entire anterior part of the trunk.

For the right arm, the entire arm is considered to represent 9% of the TBSA. However, since it is a deep partial-thickness burn, it is important to remember that the rule of nines does not change the percentage, but it helps in understanding the severity and the potential for fluid loss and interventions needed.

Now, to determine the TBSA percentage for this patient, we simply add the percentages together:

• Anterior trunk: 18%

• Right arm: 9%

Adding these two figures together gives us a TBSA of 27%. However, since the provided answers do not include this total but instead give