What percentage of the body surface area does the patient's palm cover when using the rule of palms for evaluation?

When evaluating burn area using the rule of palms, nursing practice teaches that the patient's entire palm, including the fingers, represents approximately 1% of an adult's total body surface area (TBSA). This rule is a handy tool for quickly estimating the extent of burns in a clinical setting, especially in emergencies. Since the palm is a relatively small area compared to the total body surface, it is practical to assign it a percentage that reflects its size accurately, which is why 1% is the correct answer in this context. This method provides a straightforward way to assess burn severity and decide on treatment strategies efficiently. Other percentage options are not representative of the area covered by the palm when using this specific rule.