Which statement about electrical burns is true?

Which statement about electrical burns is true?

• A. Entrance wounds are small relative to the amount of internal tissue damage
• B. Respiratory or cardiac arrest following an electrical burn is very uncommon
• C. The exit wound caused by electrical burns is smaller than the entrance wound
• D. The size of the entry and exit wounds is a reliable indicator of internal damage

Answer: (A)

The statement that entrance wounds are small relative to the amount of internal tissue damage accurately reflects the nature of electrical burns. This is primarily because electrical burns can cause significant internal damage that is not immediately visible on the skin. While the entrance wound may appear small, the electrical current can travel through tissues, causing extensive damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels deep beneath the skin. This discrepancy between the size of the wound and the severity of the underlying injury is crucial for EMTs to recognize, as it highlights the potential for serious complications that may not be immediately apparent. In contrast to this, the other statements do not hold true in the context of electrical burns. For instance, respiratory or cardiac arrest can indeed result from electrical injuries due to the way electrical current affects the heart and lungs. Additionally, the exit wound is typically larger than the entrance wound, as the electrical current may cause more damage as it exits the body, often dissipating energy more widely. Finally, the size and appearance of entry and exit wounds are not reliable indicators of internal damage, as there can be significant internal injuries despite relatively minor external signs. Understanding these aspects is vital for appropriate assessment and management in the context of electrical burns.

The statement that entrance wounds are small relative to the amount of internal tissue damage accurately reflects the nature of electrical burns. This is primarily because electrical burns can cause significant internal damage that is not immediately visible on the skin. While the entrance wound may appear small, the electrical current can travel through tissues, causing extensive damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels deep beneath the skin. This discrepancy between the size of the wound and the severity of the underlying injury is crucial for EMTs to recognize, as it highlights the potential for serious complications that may not be immediately apparent.

In contrast to this, the other statements do not hold true in the context of electrical burns. For instance, respiratory or cardiac arrest can indeed result from electrical injuries due to the way electrical current affects the heart and lungs. Additionally, the exit wound is typically larger than the entrance wound, as the electrical current may cause more damage as it exits the body, often dissipating energy more widely. Finally, the size and appearance of entry and exit wounds are not reliable indicators of internal damage, as there can be significant internal injuries despite relatively minor external signs. Understanding these aspects is vital for appropriate assessment and management in the context of electrical burns.