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right foot, the resistance will be much higher than it would if it went
in and out of adjacent fingers.
2. as tissue is desiccated, its resistance increases
and electricity seeks alternative routes.
a. true
b. false
answer: a
Tissue that is desiccated cannot conduct electrical current effectively.
As water is removed from the tissue, its resistance to the current
increases. Remember how current follows the path of least resist-
ance? If tissue is desiccated and the resistance increases, the current
may seek an alternative pathway that's more conducive to completing
the electrical circuit.
3. insulation integrity has no relation to
thermal injuries and is not a patient safety issue.
a. true b. false
answer: b
One factor that can lead to unintentional injuries is the breakdown
of the ESU's insulation or cord. The insulation of a monopolar elec-
trical handpiece is designed to protect the patient from unnecessary
exposure to the metal internal portion of the surgical instrument.
Inspect electrosurgery instruments before each use, especially
because insulation defects can be caused by daily wear and tear and
repeated sterilization. You can also perform an electrical insulation
