External and Thermal Flashcards

An AIS code in the External/Thermal region includes the sequence digit '6' in the injury descriptor position. What does this indicate?

Answer: The injury involves the skin surface

In AIS, position digit '6' in the descriptor sequence denotes the External body region, indicating skin surface involvement.

Frostbite resulting in full-thickness tissue loss of three fingers would most appropriately receive which AIS severity code?

Answer: AIS 3

Full-thickness frostbite with tissue loss affecting multiple digits is classified AIS 3 (serious) in the External and Thermal chapter.

Which of the following thermal injury mechanisms would be coded under AIS Thermal rather than External?

Answer: Scald burn from hot water

Scald burns from hot liquids are thermal injuries and are coded in the AIS Thermal chapter, not the External (mechanical) chapter.

A patient sustains a circumferential full-thickness burn to the right lower leg. The primary immediate coding concern beyond AIS severity is:

Answer: Compartment syndrome from eschar constriction

Circumferential full-thickness burns can cause eschar constriction leading to compartment syndrome, an associated injury that may require separate AIS coding.

In AIS 2015 Update, burns to the face are coded under which chapter when only skin is involved?

Answer: External/Thermal chapter

Superficial burns to the face involving only skin without airway compromise are coded in the External/Thermal chapter of AIS.

What is the AIS severity score for a single, small (< 3 cm) laceration requiring simple closure?

Answer: AIS 1

Minor lacerations requiring simple closure without deep structure involvement are coded AIS 1 (minor) in the External region.

When coding multiple superficial abrasions in the AIS External chapter, the coder should:

Answer: Code each abrasion separately and use the highest for ISS

Each injury is coded separately in AIS; the highest AIS score from a body region is used in the ISS calculation.