In adults, what percentage of the body does each arm account for in the rule of nines?

In the context of the rule of nines, which is a tool used for estimating the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns, each arm in adults is designated to account for 9% of the body's total surface area. This classification simplifies calculations for burn treatment by dividing the body into sections that are roughly equal to 9% or multiples of 9%.

For adults, the rule of nines divides the body into distinct areas: each arm (both left and right) is allocated 9%, while the head accounts for 9%, each leg for 18%, and the anterior and posterior trunk each for 18%. This system is designed to quickly help healthcare providers assess the burn extent and guide treatment decisions, such as fluid resuscitation needs based on the degree of burns sustained.

Understanding this distribution is crucial for managing burn patients effectively, especially in emergency settings. Therefore, acknowledging that 9% is assigned to each arm reinforces the importance of accurate assessment in burn care protocols.