Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Severe Burn Injury in a Swine Model for Clinical Dressing Assessment
Published on: November 6, 2018
Using the hand to estimate the surface area of a burn in children
1Emergency Department, Southwestern Texas Methodist Hospital, San Antonio, USA.
Objective:
Estimation of the surface area involved is vital to evaluation and treatment of burns. Common teaching suggests the palm approximates 1% of the total body surface area (TBSA). However, early century literature suggests the palmar surface of the entire hand approximates 1% of the TBSA. We sought to determine whether the palm or the entire palmar surface of the hand approximates 1% TBSA in children.
Design:
A prospective, convenience sample.
Materials And Methods:
Using height, weight, and standard nomograms, body surface area was determined. A photocopy of the hand was used to determine the surface area of the palm and the entire palmar surface of the hand.
Results:
In 91 children, the mean percent of the TBSA represented by the entire palmar surface was 0.94% (95% confidence interval (C.I.) 0.93-0.97), and the mean percent of the TBSA represented by the palm was 0.52% (95% C.I. 0.51-0.53).
Conclusion:
The entire palmar surface of a child's hand more closely approximates 1% TBSA, while the palm approximate 0.5% TBSA.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:22Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:26Area Problem