What percentage of the body do the chest and abdomen account for in burn assessments?

The chest and abdomen are crucial areas in the assessment of burn injuries, particularly when using the Rule of Nines, a standard method for estimating total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns. In adults, the Rule of Nines allocates specific percentages to different body regions for quick assessments.

For the chest and abdomen combined, this accounts for approximately 18% of the total body surface area. Each of these regions is considered to account for 9% (with the front and back of the chest typically counted separately). This systematic approach helps healthcare professionals quickly determine the severity of burns and guide treatment decisions, such as fluid resuscitation needs and transfer to specialized burn care facilities.

Understanding these percentages is essential for assessment and management of burn patients, as accurate estimation of the burn area directly influences patient outcomes.