When coding a front torso burn, which percentage is coded?

When coding a front torso burn, which percentage is coded?

• A. 18%
• B. 9%
• C. 12%
• D. 25%

Answer: (A)

Burn coding uses TBSA estimates to quantify how much of the body is burned. For adults, the front of the torso (chest and abdomen) is 18% of total body surface area. So a burn on the front torso is coded as 18%. The other options don’t fit this specific region in the Rule of Nines: 9% would apply to a single arm or the head, while 12% and 25% don’t correspond to a standard front-torso segment. (Note: in children, proportions differ and a Lund and Browder chart is used, but for adults the front torso is 18%.)

Burn coding uses TBSA estimates to quantify how much of the body is burned. For adults, the front of the torso (chest and abdomen) is 18% of total body surface area. So a burn on the front torso is coded as 18%. The other options don’t fit this specific region in the Rule of Nines: 9% would apply to a single arm or the head, while 12% and 25% don’t correspond to a standard front-torso segment. (Note: in children, proportions differ and a Lund and Browder chart is used, but for adults the front torso is 18%.)