Final answer:
Electrical burns can cause significant internal damage, leading to serious complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias, myoglobinuria, acidosis, and renal failure. The severity of burns depends on the concentration of the electrical current, which can also disrupt cardiac functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most destruction from electrical burns is internal and follows nerves, blood vessels, and fascia. These types of burns can lead to serious complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias, myoglobinuria, acidosis, and renal failure. Electrical burns occur when the skin is damaged by intense electrical currents. The damage can result in deep tissue injury and destruction beyond the visible burn on the skin, which makes them particularly dangerous. Victims of electrical burns may suffer from metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of harmful substances such as sulfates and phosphates. This can lead to altered enzyme activity and increased excitability of cardiac and neuronal membranes, promoting hyperkalemia.
Furthermore, electrical burns can disrupt the heart's electrical patterns, causing ventricular fibrillation, which is often fatal if not treated immediately. At currents of around 300 mA and above, burns can be more severe, and the concentration of the current affects the degree of injury. Additionally, renal failure can occur as a result of the release of myoglobin from damaged muscle tissue, which affects the kidneys. Treatments for burn victims often include intravenous fluids and nutrients to combat dehydration, prevent infections, and support tissue repair. Prevention of infection is crucial for burn patients, as burned skin is highly susceptible to bacteria and other pathogens.