Burns covering what percentage of the body are considered fatal in children and the elderly?

In assessing burn injuries, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, the percentage of body surface area affected is a critical factor in determining prognosis. Burns covering 20% or more of the total body surface area are generally considered to be potentially fatal for these groups. This is due to several factors including the risk of complications such as shock, infection, and organ failure, which are heightened in individuals with less physiological reserve.

In children, their smaller body size and underdeveloped skin create a different response to burns compared to healthy adults. The elderly may also have diminished physiological function and skin integrity, making them more susceptible to the severe consequences of extensive burns.

Therefore, a burn covering 20% of the body surface area is a significant threshold after which the risk of mortality increases substantially, making it the correct answer. This understanding is crucial for medical professionals involved in emergency care and trauma, as it guides immediate treatment decisions and potential referrals to specialized burn care facilities.