A 70-year-old patient presents with blistering burns on both arms and one leg. What burn depth is most consistent with these findings?

• A. 10% partial thickness
• B. 36% partial thickness
• C. 54% full thickness
• D. 18% superficial

Answer: (B)

Blistering indicates partial-thickness burn depth, where the epidermis and part of the dermis are damaged. Full-thickness burns tend to be leathery and insensate, not blistered. To estimate extent, use the Rule of Nines: each arm is 9% and each leg is 18%. Two arms plus one leg equals 9% + 9% + 18% = 36% TBSA. So the finding most consistent with these injuries is a partial-thickness burn covering about 36% of the body surface area. The other options either imply deeper tissue destruction or a smaller TBSA than described.