Physical Injuries

Question 1

Mention prognostic factors of burn

Answer 1

Age, sex, general health, duration of exposure, depth, intensity of heat, extent of burn surface area.

Question 2

Mention factors affecting severity of chemical burn and most common degree

Answer 2

1. Type of agent (alkalis are worse)
2. Concentration and strength
3. Quantity of chemical
4. Duration of contact
   Deep 2nd degree

Question 3

Mention factors affecting severity of electrical injuries

Answer 3

A. Factors relating to current
Voltage, intensity, duration of contact, type of current, pathway taken by electric current
B. Factors related to affected person
Two-point contact, resistance, age, state of health

Question 4

Mention mechanisms of electricity-induced injuries

Answer 4

1. The depolarization of nerves and muscles leading to abnormal electrical rhthms in the heart, brain and elicity muscle tetany
2. Conversion of electric energy into thermal energy causing massive tissue destruction and coagulative necrosis
3. Mechanical injury with direct trauma resulting from falls or violent muscle contraction

Question 5

Mention the possible results of muscular spasm in electrocution

Answer 5

1. Gripping the conductor
2. Propelling the body
3. Fractures involving scapula, humerus, neck of femur and thoracic vertebrae
4. Rhabdomyolysis
5. Respiratory paralysis

Question 6

Mention mechanisms of death due to electrocution

Answer 6

A. Direct causes
1. Central asphyxia due to RC depression if current passes through brainstem
2. Current passing through the chest will lead to vilet asphyxia due to spasm of respiratory muscles
3. Cardiac arrhythmia as Afib and sinus tachycardia
4. Cardiac arrest due to low V AC (Vfib) or high V AC (asystole)
5. Electric burns
B. Indirect causes:
1. Trauma
2. Burns due to fire set to surrounding and clothes