Question

Calculate the percentage of burns in a preschool child shown in the image below

• A. 15-20%
• B. 25-30%
• C. 35-40%
• D. 10-15%

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To calculate the percentage of burns in a preschool child, we use the "Lund and Browder chart," which provides a more accurate assessment than the "Rule of Nines" because it considers the different proportions of the child's body. The preschool age group is particularly defined by distinctive body surface area (BSA) coverage percentages:

• Head and neck: 18%
• Each arm: 9% (front and back)
• Trunk: 18% front / 18% back
• Each leg: 14% (front and back)

To determine the total percentage of burns, add the BSA percentages of the burned areas observed in the image.

Assuming the image shows burns on the trunk (anterior) and one arm:

• Trunk (front): 18%
• One arm (assumed to be completely burned, front and back): 9%

Total estimated percentage of burns = 18% (Trunk) + 9% (One arm) = 27%

This calculation places the burn percentage in the 25-30% range, corresponding to the correct answer: 25-30%.