What it means
Burns are described by the percentage of total body surface area they cover. Adults are often estimated with the rule of nines, children with the Lund-Browder chart, and small or scattered burns with the client's own palm (about 1%). Only partial-thickness and full-thicknessful-THIK-nisGoing through every layer of the skin, or every layer of another tissue such as the wall of an organ.Full entry burns are counted, not superficial ones. The percentage guides fluid resuscitationFLOO-id rih-sus-ih-TAY-shunGiving large amounts of IV fluid quickly to restore blood volume and blood flow to the organs.Full entry , for example with the Parkland formula.
In a chart
"Partial-thickness burns to the anterior chest and both arms, estimated 27% TBSA."
At a glance
| Also written | total body surface area |
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Related terms
burn
An injury to the skin or deeper tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation or friction.
fluid resuscitation
Giving large amounts of IV fluid quickly to restore blood volume and blood flow to the organs.
full-thickness
Going through every layer of the skin, or every layer of another tissue such as the wall of an organ.