A nurse is admitting a client with severe burns. The nurse uses the rule of nines to estimate the percentage of total body surface area affected by burns. Which of the following statements accurately describes the rule of nines?
It divides the body into eight equal regions, with each region representing 12.5% of the total body surface area.
It divides the body into twelve equal regions, with each region representing 59% of the total body surface area.
It divides the body into six equal regions, with each region representing 15% of the total body surface area.
It divides the body into nine equal regions, with each region representing 100% of the total body surface area.
The Correct Answer is A
A. It divides the body into eight equal regions, with each region representing 12.5% of the total body surface area:
The Rule of Nines assigns percentages to major body parts (e.g., each leg = 18%, each arm = 9%, anterior torso = 18%) totaling 100%.
B. It divides the body into twelve equal regions, with each region representing 59% of the total body surface area:
Incorrect math and region count; total exceeds 100% and is not part of the rule of nines.
C. It divides the body into six equal regions, with each region representing 15% of the total body surface area:
Also incorrect; not consistent with the actual anatomic distribution used in the rule of nines.
D. It divides the body into nine equal regions, with each region representing 100% of the total body surface area:
Nonsensical; if each is 100%, total would be 900%, which is not accurate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. It divides the body into eight equal regions, with each region representing 12.5% of the total body surface area:
The Rule of Nines assigns percentages to major body parts (e.g., each leg = 18%, each arm = 9%, anterior torso = 18%) totaling 100%.
B. It divides the body into twelve equal regions, with each region representing 59% of the total body surface area:
Incorrect math and region count; total exceeds 100% and is not part of the rule of nines.
C. It divides the body into six equal regions, with each region representing 15% of the total body surface area:
Also incorrect; not consistent with the actual anatomic distribution used in the rule of nines.
D. It divides the body into nine equal regions, with each region representing 100% of the total body surface area:
Nonsensical; if each is 100%, total would be 900%, which is not accurate.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Percent of body surface burned:
Important for guiding fluid resuscitation, but airway and breathing always take priority in the ABCs.
B. Respiratory status:
Inhalation injury is a life-threatening complication in fire-related burns. Assess for stridor, soot in nares/mouth, and signs of respiratory distress first.
C. Review of chronic illnesses:
Relevant for overall care planning, but not an initial priority in the emergency phase.
D. Burn depth:
Guides long-term care but is secondary to airway and breathing in the acute setting.
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