Patient Assessment & Triage Flashcards

Using the adult Rule of Nines, what percentage of total body surface area is one entire arm?

Answer: 9%

Each adult arm counts as 9% of total body surface area under the Rule of Nines.

For estimating small or scattered burns, the patient's own palm (with fingers) represents about what percentage of body surface area?

Answer: 1%

The patient's palm including fingers is roughly 1% of their body surface area.

A burn appears white, leathery, and the patient says it is not painful at the center. How should it be classified?

Answer: Full-thickness burn

Full-thickness burns destroy nerve endings, so they look leathery or charred and may be painless.

Which finding on a burned firefighter most strongly suggests a possible airway burn requiring urgent evacuation?

Answer: Singed nasal hair, soot around the mouth, and a hoarse voice

Signs of inhalation injury mean the airway may swell and close, making this a top priority.

What is the correct initial care for a small partial-thickness burn on a crewmember's arm?

Answer: Cool with clean, cool water and remove rings or watches near the area

Cool water stops the burning process and removing jewelry prevents constriction as swelling develops.

Burns to which areas generally meet referral criteria for a burn center regardless of size?

Answer: Face, hands, feet, genitals, and major joints

Burns to these critical areas can cause lasting loss of function or appearance and need specialized care.

A badly burned crewmember is hypotensive within minutes of the injury. What should the assessor suspect?

Answer: Another injury, such as internal bleeding or trauma

Burn shock develops over hours, so early low blood pressure suggests another hidden injury.