External and Thermal Flashcards

According to AIS coding, a full-thickness burn covering 20% TBSA in an adult is assigned which severity level?

Answer: AIS 4

Full-thickness burns covering 10–29% TBSA in adults are coded AIS 4 (severe) in the External and Thermal body region.

When using the Rule of Nines to estimate TBSA burned in an adult, what percentage is assigned to one entire lower extremity?

Answer: 18%

Each lower extremity represents 18% of TBSA in the adult Rule of Nines.

An AIS coder encounters a wound described as 'dermis intact with erythema and pain only.' What burn depth classification applies?

Answer: Superficial (first degree)

Superficial (first-degree) burns affect only the epidermis, presenting as erythema with intact dermis and no blistering.

Which AIS descriptor best characterizes an isolated degloving injury to the forearm with no underlying structural damage?

Answer: AIS 2 — moderate

A localized degloving injury without involvement of bone, vessel, or nerve is typically coded AIS 2 in the External region.

In the AIS, which body region code is used for injuries to the skin and subcutaneous tissue that do not fit under a specific anatomic region?

Answer: Region 6 (External)

AIS Region 6 (External) captures skin and subcutaneous injuries not attributable to another specific anatomic region.

A patient has partial-thickness burns to both palms. Using the palmar method, approximately what TBSA is involved?

Answer: 2%

Each palm (including fingers) represents approximately 1% TBSA, so both palms equal roughly 2%.

Which characteristic distinguishes a deep partial-thickness burn from a superficial partial-thickness burn on clinical examination?

Answer: Pale/waxy appearance with reduced sensation

Deep partial-thickness burns destroy most of the dermis, producing a pale or waxy appearance with diminished pain sensation due to nerve damage.