A 21-year-old male tripped and fell into a campfire, resulting in burns to his hands, anterior forearms, and upper chest. What percentage of his body has been burned?

To determine the percentage of body surface area burned in this scenario, the "rule of nines" is commonly utilized in adult patients. According to this rule, the total body surface area (TBSA) is divided into sections that are approximated to be 9% or multiples of 9%.

In this case, the burns are located on the hands, anterior forearms, and upper chest. Let's break down the percentage:

• The anterior forearm is approximately 4.5% (2.25% for the front of each forearm, totaling 4.5%).
• The hands account for about 1% each, so with two hands, that's 2%.
• The upper chest is about 9%.

When you sum these areas:

• Anterior forearms: 4.5%
• Hands: 2%
• Upper chest: 9%

Total: 4.5% + 2% + 9% = 15.5%.

Since we round percentages in this context, we approximate it to 15%. This reasoning leads to the conclusion that the total percentage burned is correctly identified as 15%. Understanding this calculation helps healthcare providers assess burn severity and manage care effectively.