Question 1587 Deck Safety

70% to pass

What is of importance when a patient has an electrical burn?

A locate the nearest water source and flood the burn with water for five minutes
B look for a second burn, which may have been caused by the current passing through the body
C apply ointment to the burn area and wrap with clean cloth
D remove any dirt or charred skin from the area of the burn
AI Explanation

The correct answer is B) look for a second burn, which may have been caused by the current passing through the body. In the case of an electrical burn, it is crucial to check for a secondary burn site, as the electrical current may have passed through the body and caused damage at the point of entry and exit. Electrical burns can be deceptive, as the external damage may not fully reflect the extent of the internal tissue damage. Looking for a secondary burn site helps assess the full scope of the injury and ensures proper treatment. The other options are incorrect because: A) flooding the burn with water is not the appropriate first aid for an electrical burn, B) looking for a secondary burn is the key priority, C) applying ointment and wrapping could be appropriate for other types of burns but not electrical, and D) removing dirt or charred skin should be done by medical professionals, not the first responder.

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