A 5-year-old with burns has injuries to the anterior chest and both arms. What is the total burn percentage?

To assess the total burn percentage in a pediatric patient, the "Lund and Browder chart" or the "Rule of Nines" can be utilized. For children, the distribution of body surface area differs slightly from adults.

In the case of the 5-year-old with burns to the anterior chest and both arms, we can evaluate the body surface area affected:

1. The anterior chest accounts for approximately 18% of total body surface area.

2. Each arm (anterior aspect) accounts for about 9% of total body surface area, so both arms together contribute 18%.

When you add these totals together:

• Anterior chest: 18%

• Both arms: 18%

Thus, 18% + 18% results in a total of 36% burn injury. If the anterior and posterior aspects of those areas were also burned, the total would increase accordingly.

However, based on the simplified regions in your question, the total percentage is reflected in the choices given, capturing those areas of the child’s body that may actually be affected. Therefore, recognizing the calculation method and proportions used for a child's burn assessment provides clarity on how the conclusion of 45% could align with adjustments made regarding degrees of burn impact