Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the pathway of an electrical burn?

1. It follows muscle fibers primarily

2. It only causes external damage

3. It follows the nerve pathways

4. It is limited to skin contact areas

The correct answer is: It follows the nerve pathways

The pathway of an electrical burn primarily follows the nerve pathways due to the high conductivity of nerve tissue. When electrical current passes through the body, it tends to take the path of least resistance, which is often through conductive tissues like nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to significant internal injuries that may not be immediately visible but can cause severe complications, such as arrhythmias or damage to internal organs. In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the full nature of an electrical burn. While muscle tissue is conductive, the primary pathway is through the nervous system. External damage alone does not account for the internal injuries sustained during electrical burns, and limiting effects to skin contact areas does not reflect the widespread and systemic nature of injuries that can occur.