What should be monitored in electrical burn cases?

• A. Heart rhythm (ECG)
• B. Blood glucose testing
• C. Hair growth near wounds
• D. Visual acuity

Answer: (A)

Electrical current can travel through the body and disrupt the heart’s electrical conduction, so watching the heart rhythm with continuous ECG monitoring is essential in electrical burn cases. This helps detect immediate or delayed arrhythmias, such as dangerous ventricular rhythms or conduction blocks, which can occur even if the patient initially appears stable. Continuous telemetry during and after resuscitation guides timely interventions and helps prevent sudden deterioration. Other options like blood glucose testing, hair growth near wounds, or visual acuity don’t address the primary cardiac risk posed by the current and are not the main priorities in the acute management.