An adult client experiences a gasoline tank fire when riding a motorcycle and is admitted to the emergency department (ED. with full thickness burns on both lower extremities. Which percentage of body surface area should the nurse document in the electronic medical record (EMR)?

Choice A: 18%. This is not the correct percentage, as it only accounts for one lower extremity. According to the rule of nines, each lower extremity accounts for 9% of body surface area on both anterior and posterior sides, so both lower extremities would account for 18% x 2 = 36%. Choice B: 27%. This is not the correct percentage, as it only accounts for one and a half lower extremities. According to the rule of nines, each lower extremity accounts for 9% of body surface area on both anterior and posterior sides, so one and a half lower extremities would account for 9% x 3 = 27%. Choice C: 36%. This is the correct percentage, as it accounts for both lower extremities. According to the rule of nines, each lower extremity accounts for 9% of body surface area on both anterior and posterior sides, so both lower extremities would account for 9% x 4 = 36%. Choice D: 45%. This is not the correct percentage, as it accounts for more than both lower extremities. According to the rule of nines, each lower extremity accounts for 9% of body surface area on both anterior and posterior sides, so more than both lower extremities would account for more than 9% x 4 = 36%.