Which of the following is included when calculating the total body surface area (TBSA) of a burn?

Calculating the total body surface area (TBSA) of a burn is essential for determining the severity of the injury and guiding treatment decisions. Partial thickness burns, which include second-degree burns, are characterized by damage that extends into the dermis and can result in blisters, swelling, and significant pain. When assessing TBSA, it's crucial to include these burns because they have a considerable impact on the patient's treatment needs, fluid resuscitation requirements, and overall prognosis.

Superficial burns, while they do affect the outer layer of skin (epidermis), are typically not included in TBSA calculations to the same extent as partial thickness burns since they are less likely to lead to serious complications. Fully healed burns do not contribute to current injury severity and are not considered in the TBSA assessment. Infected wounds, depending on the context, might not qualify as burns and often focus on ongoing care rather than initial assessment of burn extent. Therefore, partial thickness burns play a significant role in TBSA calculations as they represent ongoing injury that necessitates appropriate management.