In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter.

Last New Year's Eve, a 23-year-old man came to the urgent care facility where you work as a medical assistant. He had been in an accident involving fireworks and was diagnosed with second-degree burns to his anterior torso.

As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:

1. Using the rule of nines, estimate the percentage of the patient's body surface that was affected by this burn.

2. What layers of skin has the burn affected?

3. What functions of the skin are lost by this injury?

4. What types of treatments does this burn require?