Final answer:
The first step in caring for a patient with an electrical burn is to make sure the current is secured, ensuring the safety of the patient and rescuer. Further steps include assessment and treatment of injuries while understanding the risk of electric hazards, including thermal and shock hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in caring for a patient who has sustained an electrical burn to the hand is to ensure the safety of both the patient and the rescuer. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is, make sure the current is secured. It is critical to first disconnect the electrical source and confirm that it is no longer a threat before proceeding to examine the patient for entry and exit wounds or performing a primary assessment and caring for any life-threatening conditions.
Electric hazards can include thermal hazard, shock hazard, and short circuit, with various levels of current having different effects on the human body. For instance, a current as small as 20.0 μA can cause ventricular fibrillation if applied directly to the heart. Safety precautions like working ‘one-handed’ or keeping ‘one hand in your pocket’ are advised when dealing with high-power electric circuits to prevent the current from passing through the heart, potentially leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
It is also important to note that patients with severe burns, like in the case of an electrical burn to a hand, may require specialized treatment which can include blood tests and monitoring for any complications arising from the burn injury.