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scan, although this should be used in addition to visual inspections.
4. insulation failure is one of the events that can lead
to an electrosurgical burn. what are the others?
a. capacitive coupling and direct coupling
b. high current densities and capacitive coupling
c. open circuit activation and high current density
d. eschar development and open circuit activation
answer: a
Capacitance, or the ability of a body to store an electrical charge, is a
normal dynamic of electrical current. Capacitive coupling is a leakage
of current that occurs between 2 closely placed conductors, even
insulated ones, and causes burns to adjacent tissue. Direct coupling
happens when the active tip of the instrument comes in contact with
another metal instrument and transfers the electrical current. That
uninsulated metal object will conduct current to any tissue it touches,
resulting in a burn. While this can be prevented with the obvious —
surgeons keeping the tip away from metal instruments and implants
— it's also important to ensure the patient's body isn't touching metal,
including IV poles, carts or even gown fasteners.
5. active electrode shielding prevents patient injuries from capacitive cou-
pling and insulation failure.
a. true b. false
answer: a
Active electrode shielding is a technology that takes the electrical
current and safely delivers it back to the generator. If the device
S A F E T Y
