Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam 2026 - Free Paramedic Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the context of the Rule of Nines, used for estimating the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns, the head represents a specific percentage in children. For pediatric patients, the head accounts for 12% of the total body surface area. This is a critical consideration for assessing burn severity and guiding treatment decisions.

In adults, for instance, the head represents only 9% of the TBSA, as adults have a relatively smaller head-to-body ratio compared to children. Therefore, the pediatric modification recognizes the larger proportion of body surface area that the head constitutes in younger patients. Accurately using this classification is essential for proper fluid resuscitation and overall management of burn injuries in children.