Question

Your patient has suffered a minor electrical injury at home and is being seen by you in the office. You have determined he is stable and does not require transfer to ER, but you would like to order some common lab work ups. In 200 words or less, explain what labs you would order and why.

Answer 1

LABS IN MINOR ELECTRICAL INJURY:-
(i) CBC (complete blood count):-it provides
     -hemoglobin value
     - hematocrit
     - white blood cell count etc.
(ii) Electrolytes:-
        -sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, and glucose.
(iii) Creatinine level:-
- because there is risk of myoglobinuria in electrical injuries.
(iv)Urine examination:-
      -Urine specific gravity
      -pH
      -hematuria
(v)ABG(Arterial blood gas):- Need for patients who need ventilatory support or those with severe myoglobinuria.
(vi) Creatine kinase (CK) level:-
-CK level may be elevated in patients with massive muscle damage from high-voltage injuries.
(vii) BUN (Blood urea nitrogen).