Moderate

A patient has an electrical burn with a small entry wound on the hand and an exit wound on the foot. Which assessment is the priority after the electrical source is made safe?

Correct answer: A. Assess cardiac rhythm and obtain an electrocardiogram

  • A. Assess cardiac rhythm and obtain an electrocardiogram
  • B. Measure the wound diameter and apply dry gauze
  • C. Encourage oral fluids and reassess in two hours
  • D. Check the patient's vaccination record first

Explanation

Electrical current can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias and deep tissue injury even when the skin wounds appear small. Cardiac rhythm assessment and an electrocardiogram take priority after the power source is disconnected; wound measurement and tetanus review follow stabilization.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? support@testustad.com

About Burns and Trauma Nursing

Covers the initial and continuing care of patients with burns, haemorrhage, fractures, head injury, chest trauma and shock. It includes burn depth and surface-area estimation, airway protection, fluid resuscitation, wound care, infection prevention, pain management and the distinction between hypovolaemic, septic and neurogenic shock.

Practise Burns and Trauma Nursing

50 free Burns and Trauma Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Medical Surgical Nursing questions like this

Medical Surgical Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Burns and Trauma Nursing questions