A patient is admitted to the emergency department after suffering an electrical burn from exposure to a high-voltage current.In addition to the burn injuries,the nurse should initially assess for the presence of what?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In addition to burn injuries, high-voltage electrical injuries can cause muscle contractions and involuntary movements that may result in spinal fractures. It is important to assess for spinal fractures during the initial assessment to prevent further damage to the spinal cord. Although the other options (renal failure, cerebral edema, and metabolic alkalosis) may occur as secondary complications of electrical burns, assessing for spinal fractures is a priority in this situation.

A Patient Is Admitted to the Emergency Department After Suffering