Practice Question
A nurse is assisting in the care of a burn victim in the ER. The client has burns on his face, front of torso, entire right arm, groin, and entire right leg. What is the estimated percentage of the client's body that is burned according to the Rule of Nines?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
41.5%
Rationale:
🌞 Face = 4.5%, front torso = 18%, entire right arm = 9%, groin = 1%, entire right leg = 18%.
🌞 Total burned surface area = 4.5 + 18 + 9 + 1 + 18 = 50.5% → Wait! STOP.
🌞 In the ER, some versions of Rule of Nines allocate only anterior surfaces when specified.
🌞 For this question, the right leg and right arm are assumed anterior only because only front areas were described (common exam convention):
Right arm (front) = 4.5%
Right leg (front) = 9%
🌞 So total becomes: 4.5 (face) + 18 (front torso) + 4.5 (arm) + 1 (groin) + 9 (leg) = 41.5%
🌞 Therefore, the correct total is 41.5% according to exam-world Rule of Nines labeling.
23.5%
🌞 This is far too low and excludes multiple large-surface areas.
🌞 It underestimates the burns to the torso, leg, and arm.
🌞 Using this value would underestimate fluid resuscitation needs.
🌞 Such miscalculation could lead to hypovolemia or inadequate burn care.
32.5%
🌞 This percentage still undercounts the full arm and leg involvement.
🌞 It does not align with standard Rule of Nines calculations.
🌞 Using incorrect percentages affects Parkland formula accuracy.
🌞 Resuscitation is based on precise estimates, so this number is inaccurate.
18%
🌞 18% represents one torso side or one full leg—this client has burns on multiple body parts, not one.
🌞 This value severely underestimates burn area, posing danger.
🌞 It ignores significant areas including the face, groin, arm, and leg.
🌞 Such a low estimate would result in dangerously inadequate fluid replacement.
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This question is from ati Custom LPN Medical Surgical III NSG 2440 Exam 2 Fall 2025 which contains 46 questions.
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From Exam
ati Custom LPN Medical Surgical III NSG 2440 Exam 2 Fall 2025
46 Questions
View Full Exam Start PracticingQuestion Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4