ATI Capstone Exam Related

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A nurse is admitting a client who sustained severe burn injuries. The nurse refers to the burn injury. What percentage of body surface area should the nurse estimate?

  • A. 7%
  • B. 4%
  • C. 1%
  • D. 8%
  • E. 5%
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should estimate the percentage of body surface area affected by the burn injury using the Rule of Nines. According to this rule, specific body areas are assigned percentages: head (9%), each arm (9% total), each leg (18% total), front torso (18%), back torso (18%), and perineum (1%). By adding these percentages, a total of 100% is obtained. For severe burns, the nurse should estimate using the Rule of Nines, making D (8%) the most appropriate choice as it closely aligns with the total percentage of body surface area affected by the burn. Choices A, B, C, and E do not align with the Rule of Nines and would not accurately estimate the extent of the burn injury.