CEA Nursing Practice Exam

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

1. 3%

2. 2%

3. 1%

4. 4%

The correct answer is: 1%

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.