Differential Diagnosis for Burns
The patient presents with burns on the anterior trunk and the right arm, which can be estimated using the rule of nines.
Single most likely diagnosis:
- 18% TBSA: The anterior trunk is approximately 18% of the total body surface area (TBSA), and the right arm is also approximately 9% of the TBSA. However, since the burns are only on the anterior part of the trunk and the entire right arm, the total estimated TBSA would be around 18% (9% for the anterior trunk + 9% for the right arm).
Other Likely diagnoses:
- 9% TBSA: If the burns are limited to either the anterior trunk or the right arm, the TBSA would be approximately 9%.
- 27% TBSA: If the burns extend to other areas, such as the left arm or parts of the legs, the TBSA could be higher, around 27%.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Inhalation injury: Although the patient denies dyspnea, it's crucial to assess for potential inhalation injury, especially if the burns occurred in an enclosed space. This could lead to respiratory distress or failure if not promptly addressed.
- Electrical burns: If the hot oil was involved with an electrical appliance, there's a risk of electrical burns, which can cause cardiac arrest or other systemic injuries.
Rare diagnoses:
- Chemical burns: Although less likely, if the hot oil contained or reacted with other substances, there could be a risk of chemical burns, which require specific treatment.
- Other systemic injuries: Depending on the mechanism of injury (e.g., a fall while handling the hot oil), there could be other systemic injuries, such as fractures or internal injuries, that need to be considered.