Partial-thickness burns covering more than 30% TBSA would be categorized as which severity?

• A. Minor burn injuries
• B. Not classified
• C. Moderate burn injuries
• D. Severe burn injuries

Answer: (D)

Burn severity depends on both how deep the burn goes and how much of the body is affected. Partial-thickness burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis, and they are very painful with blisters. When such burns cover more than about 30% of the body’s surface area, the risk of fluid loss, infection, and systemic complications rises significantly, so this level of injury is categorized as severe. Minor burns are smaller in area with less physiological impact, and moderate burns sit in between; they don’t reach the same level of risk as burns exceeding 30% TBSA. So, a partial-thickness burn over a large area (>30% TBSA) is considered severe.