Two key safety considerations when applying electrical stimulation include which of the following?

• A. Ensure patient is hydrated
• B. Avoid conduction paths across the chest if a pacemaker; inspect skin for burns or irritation and adjust settings
• C. Use the highest possible intensity
• D. Remove all jewelry

Answer: (B)

When applying electrical stimulation, the most important safety concerns are preventing interference with implanted devices and protecting the skin from electrical injury. If a patient has a pacemaker, avoid creating conduction paths that run across the chest because currents can interact with the device or its leads, potentially causing malfunction. At the same time, always inspect the skin under the electrodes for burns or irritation and adjust the stimulation settings, electrode size, and contact to ensure safe current density and good skin tolerance. Hydration and removing jewelry, while sensible in general care, don’t address these specific safety risks as directly, and using the highest intensity increases risk without improving safety or effectiveness.