What is the Rule of Nines? How can it be used to calculate the total body surface area percentage that is burned in adult patients? Find the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

Understanding the Rule of Nines in Burn Percentage Calculation

The Rule of Nines is a widely used method for estimating the total body surface area (TBSA) that has been burned in adult patients. This rule divides the body into sections, each representing approximately 9% of the total body surface area. By identifying the specific areas of the body affected by burns and applying the corresponding percentages, healthcare professionals can accurately calculate the overall percentage of the TBSA that has been burned.

Applying the Rule of Nines: NCLEX Quiz Questions and Answers

To help healthcare professionals, particularly nursing students, solidify their understanding of the Rule of Nines, we’ve compiled a series of NCLEX-style quiz questions. These questions cover various scenarios involving burn injuries in adults, and the answers demonstrate how to apply the Rule of Nines to calculate the total body surface area percentage that is burned.

Scenario 1: 25-Year-Old Female Patient

A 25-year-old female patient has sustained burns to the back of the right arm, posterior trunk, front of the left leg, anterior head and neck, and perineum. Using the Rule of Nines, calculate the total body surface area percentage that is burned.

Answer: The correct answer is B. 37%. The back of the right arm (4.5%), posterior trunk (18%), front of the left leg (9%), anterior head and neck (4.5%), and perineum (1%) add up to a total of 37% of the TBSA that is burned.

Scenario 2: 68-Year-Old Male Patient

A 68-year-old male patient has partial-thickness burns to the front and back of the right and left leg, front of the right arm, and anterior trunk. Using the Rule of Nines, calculate the total body surface area percentage that is burned.

Answer: The correct answer is C. 58.5%. The front and back of the right and left leg (36%), front of the right arm (4.5%), and anterior trunk (18%) add up to a total of 58.5% of the TBSA that is burned.

Scenario 3: 35-Year-Old Male Patient

A 35-year-old male patient has full-thickness burns to the anterior and posterior head and neck, front of the left leg, and perineum. Using the Rule of Nines, calculate the total body surface area percentage that is burned.

Answer: The correct answer is D. 19%. The anterior and posterior head and neck (9%), front of the left leg (9%), and perineum (1%) add up to a total of 19% of the TBSA that is burned.

Scenario 4: 66-Year-Old Female Patient

A 66-year-old female patient has deep partial-thickness burns to both of the legs on the back, front and back of the trunk, both arms on the front and back, and front and back of the head and neck. Using the Rule of Nines, calculate the total body surface area percentage that is burned.

Answer: The correct answer is C. 81%. Both of the legs on the back (18%), front and back of the trunk (36%), both arms on the front and back (18%), and front and back of the head and neck (9%) add up to a total of 81% of the TBSA that is burned.

Scenario 5: 58-Year-Old Female Patient

A 58-year-old female patient has superficial partial-thickness burns to the anterior head and neck, front and back of the left arm, front of the right arm, posterior trunk, front and back of the right leg, and back of the left leg. Using the Rule of Nines, calculate the total body surface area percentage that is burned.

Answer: The correct answer is A. 63%. The anterior head and neck (4.5%), front and back of the left arm (9%), front of the right arm (4.5%), posterior trunk (18%), front and back of the right leg (18%), and back of the left leg (9%) add up to a total of 63% of the TBSA that is burned.

Scenario 6: 35-Year-Old Male Patient

A 35-year-old male patient has superficial partial-thickness burns to the anterior right arm, posterior left leg, and anterior head and neck. Using the Rule of Nines, calculate the total body surface area percentage that is burned.

Answer: The correct answer is C. 18%. The anterior right arm (4.5%), posterior left leg (9%), and anterior head and neck (4.5%) add up to a total of 18% of the TBSA that is burned.

Understanding and correctly applying the Rule of Nines is a crucial skill for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, when caring for patients with burn injuries. By mastering this technique, you can accurately assess the extent of the burn and determine the appropriate treatment plan, including fluid resuscitation using the Parkland Burn Formula. Remember to review the lecture on the Rule of Nines before attempting the quiz to ensure you have a solid foundation in this important concept.