TRUE OR FALSE? To obtain an accurate estimate of total body surface area (TBSA) burned, use an area the size of the patient’s palm to represent 1% TBSA and use this measure on all of the patient’s burned skin, regardless of burn thickness.
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Answer: FALSE. Superficial burns are NOT included in the TBSA calculations. Only the epidermis is involved in superficial burns, so fluid losses, infection risks, and risk of eschar formation are minimal to nonexistent for skin that has suffered only superficial burns. Superficial burns demonstrate dry, blanching erythema; produce pain; and heal with minimal-to-no scarring in 5 to 10 days.
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Last Updated on January 26, 2023
