According to the rule of palm for estimating burn extent, the palm of the hand represents what percentage of total body surface area?

• A. 0.5%
• B. 1%
• C. 2%
• D. 5%

Answer: (B)

The palm method provides a quick way to estimate burn size by comparing the burned area to the patient’s own palm. The palm, including fingers, is roughly 1% of an adult’s total body surface area. So a burn the size of one palm is about 1% TBSA, two palms about 2%, and so on. This simple rule helps you quickly gauge how extensive a burn is in the field or during initial triage, guiding decisions about treatment and transport. For more precise sizing, you’d use detailed charts like Rule of Nines or Lund and Browder, especially in children where proportions differ.