A 21-year-old male sustained radiator burns to the anterior aspect of both arms and the anterior chest. According to the Rule of Nines, the burns cover how many percent of the BSA?

A 21-year-old male sustained radiator burns to the anterior aspect of both arms and the anterior chest. According to the Rule of Nines, the burns cover how many percent of the BSA?

• A. 18%
• B. 36%
• C. 45%
• D. 27%

Answer: (A)

The Rule of Nines helps estimate burn size by assigning each major body region a percentage of total body surface area. In adults, the anterior chest accounts for 9% of BSA, and an individual arm’s surface is divided so that the anterior half of an arm represents about 4.5% (with the entire arm totaling 9%). If burns affect the anterior aspect of both arms, that adds 4.5% + 4.5% = 9%. Adding the anterior chest burn of 9% yields a total of 18% BSA burned.

The Rule of Nines helps estimate burn size by assigning each major body region a percentage of total body surface area. In adults, the anterior chest accounts for 9% of BSA, and an individual arm’s surface is divided so that the anterior half of an arm represents about 4.5% (with the entire arm totaling 9%). If burns affect the anterior aspect of both arms, that adds 4.5% + 4.5% = 9%. Adding the anterior chest burn of 9% yields a total of 18% BSA burned.