If your patient was burned by an electrical source, you should monitor the patient closely for ________.

In cases of electrical burns, monitoring the patient closely for cardiac arrest is particularly important because electrical injuries can lead to significant disruptions in the heart's normal rhythm. Electrical currents passing through the body can cause arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation, which can result in cardiac arrest.

Additionally, electrical injuries can cause damage not only at the site of the burn but also to deeper tissues, including cardiac tissues, which may not be immediately visible or diagnosed. Given this potential for acute cardiac complications, it is critical for healthcare providers to watch for signs of altered heart rhythms and to be prepared for resuscitation efforts if necessary.

In contrast, while shock and respiratory distress may also occur, they are not as immediate or specific consequences of electrical burns as cardiac arrest. Hypothermia is typically not directly related to electrical injuries in the same way, making close monitoring of the heart's condition paramount.