What percentage of the body do the legs represent in the pediatric rule of nines?

In the pediatric rule of nines, the body surface area is divided to assess burns more accurately in children compared to adults. For children, the legs are assigned 14% each (28% total for both legs), which is a higher percentage than in the adult rule of nines, where an individual leg accounts for 18%.

This allocation reflects the differences in body proportions between children and adults, acknowledging that children's heads and legs are larger relative to their body size. The pediatric rule of nines is specifically designed to guide treatment and fluid resuscitation in pediatric burn patients, making it essential for accuracy in the management of burn injuries in younger populations. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective clinical assessment and intervention.