Assessment and prioritization
Rule of nines
body surface area estimated in multiples of 9%
A quick way to estimate the percentage of body surface burned in an adult: head 9, each arm 9, each leg 18, front of trunk 18, back of trunk 18, genitals 1.
What each letter stands for
- 1 Head and neck — 9%
- 2 Each arm — 9%
- 3 Front of trunk — 18%
- 4 Back of trunk — 18%
- 5 Each leg — 18%
- 6 Genital area — 1%
How it gets tested
A calculation item: a burn distribution is described and the percentage is asked. Children use different proportions, which is a common trap.
Quick check: Rule of nines
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What does rule of nines mean?
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