What percentage of total body surface area has been burned on a 5-year-old child with burns to his head, anterior chest, and both upper extremities?

To determine the total body surface area (TBSA) burned in a 5-year-old child with specific burns, the Lund and Browder chart or the "rule of nines" can be applied. In pediatric patients, the proportions of body surface areas differ significantly from adults due to their unique body proportions.

According to the rule of nines, the head represents approximately 18% of TBSA, each upper extremity accounts for about 9% (totaling 18% for both arms), and the anterior chest covers roughly 9%. When you add these percentages together for the areas burned in this scenario:

• Head: 18%

• Anterior chest: 9%

• Both upper extremities: 18% (9% for each arm)

Adding these areas together results in a total of 45% TBSA burned. Thus, the calculation aligns perfectly with the provided answer of 45%, confirming the accuracy of this response. Understanding the distribution of body surface area in children is crucial for calculating burn severity and guiding treatment decisions effectively.