The nurse is assisting with the secondary survey of a patient with 50% total body surface area electrical burns.Which test would be a priority for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a patient with electrical burns involving a large area of the body, the priority test in the secondary survey would be a 12-lead electrocardiogram to assess for any underlying cardiac complications which can result from electrical injury. Chest x-ray and CT scan of the head may be necessary depending on the patient's presentation, but they would not take priority over assessing for potential cardiac problems. Bronchoscopy may be indicated if there is suspicion of airway injury, but it is not typically part of the secondary survey.

The Nurse Is Assisting with the Secondary Survey of a Patient