In the Adult Rule of Nines, the head accounts for what percentage of TBSA?

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Multiple Choice

In the Adult Rule of Nines, the head accounts for what percentage of TBSA?

Estimating burn size quickly uses the Rule of Nines. In adults, the head and neck make up 9% of total body surface area, so the head is counted as 9% TBSA. This distribution—head 9%, each arm 9%, each leg 18%, anterior trunk 18%, posterior trunk 18%, and perineum 1%—is the standard adult breakdown used to guide initial resuscitation decisions. The numbers in the other options don’t fit the adult head’s portion (the head isn’t 7%, 11%, or 18%), since 18% is for a leg or trunk region, not the head.

Estimating burn size quickly uses the Rule of Nines. In adults, the head and neck make up 9% of total body surface area, so the head is counted as 9% TBSA. This distribution—head 9%, each arm 9%, each leg 18%, anterior trunk 18%, posterior trunk 18%, and perineum 1%—is the standard adult breakdown used to guide initial resuscitation decisions. The numbers in the other options don’t fit the adult head’s portion (the head isn’t 7%, 11%, or 18%), since 18% is for a leg or trunk region, not the head.

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