Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

A patient with partial-thickness burns covering 27% BSA is classified as having what type of burn?

1. Minor burn

2. Moderate burn

3. Critical burn

4. Severe burn

The correct answer is: Critical burn

In determining the classification of burns, the percentage of body surface area (BSA) affected plays a crucial role. A patient with partial-thickness burns covering 27% of their BSA is generally classified as having a critical burn. This classification stems from the understanding that burns can severely impact the body's ability to maintain homeostasis, lead to complications such as infection, and require more intensive medical treatment. The criteria for categorizing burns are often established by organizations such as the American Burn Association. They suggest that partial-thickness burns covering more than 25% of the total body surface area in adults are considered critical due to the anticipated complications and the higher risk of significant morbidity. The thresholds for classifying burns as minor, moderate, or severe vary, but the significant involvement of 27% BSA with partial-thickness burns indicates a serious condition necessitating comprehensive medical care, monitoring, and possible intervention. In this case, recognizing the potential life-threatening implications emphasizes the importance of immediate and adept management when dealing with critical burns.