A patient arrives at the emergency department with an electrical ...

[future617RT]

A patient arrives at the emergency department with an electrical burn. What assessment questions should the nurse ask when determining the possible severity of the burn injury?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. What type of current was involved?
  2. How long was the patient in contact with the current?
  3. How much voltage was involved?
  4. Where was the patient when the burn occurred?
  5. What was the point of contact with the current?

Question 2

A patient comes into the emergency department with a chemical burn from contact with lye. Which facts about this type of burn should guide the nurse when assessing and planning care for this patient?
 
  Select all that apply.
  1. This is an alkali burn.
  2. This type of burn tends to be deeper.
  3. This is an acid burn.
  4. This type of burn is easier to neutralize.
  5. This type of burn tends to be more superficial.

[mjbamaung]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3
The severity of electrical burns depends on the type and duration of the current and the amount of voltage. Location and point of contact are not important in determining possible severity.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 2
This is an alkali burn, which is more difficult to neutralize than an acid burn, tends to penetrate more deeply, and is harder to neutralize than a burn caused by an acid.

[future617RT]

Excellent

[emsimon14]

TYSM