American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What criteria indicate the need for transfer to a burn center?

1. All 1st degree burns over 20% BSA

2. 2nd degree burns over 10% BSA in children

3. All burns exceeding 5% BSA

4. 2nd degree burns on the trunk alone

The correct answer is: 2nd degree burns over 10% BSA in children

The criteria for transfer to a burn center focus on the severity and extent of the burns, particularly in vulnerable populations like children. In this context, the decision to transfer patients to specialized burn units is based on the potential for complications, the need for specialized treatment, and the resources available at the burn center. Second-degree burns, which involve deeper dermal layers and can result in significant complications if not managed appropriately, are a critical factor. When these burns cover more than 10% of the total body surface area (BSA) in children, it reflects a higher risk for fluid loss, pain management issues, and possible infection, thus necessitating transfer to a burn center for comprehensive care. The other options, while they point toward burns that may warrant attention, do not align as closely with established criteria for transfer. First-degree burns, for instance, typically heal well and do not require specialized care unless extensive. Thus, the threshold for what constitutes needing specialized care hinges particularly on the severity of second-degree burns, especially in pediatric patients, making the specified criterion for transfer in option B the most accurate.