Question

A nurse is ordered to apply a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit to a client recovering from

abdominal surgery. Which of the following is a consideration when using this device?
A) TENS is an invasive technique for providing pain relief.
B)
TENS involves the electrical stimulation of large-diameter fibers to inhibit the transmission of painful impulses carried
over small-diameter fibers.
C) TENS is most beneficial when used to treat pain that is generalized.
D) A TENS unit is applied intermittently throughout the day and should not be worn for extended periods of time.

Answer 1

The TENS unit is a non-invasive method used for pain relief which involves electrical stimulation of large-diameter fibers to inhibit painful impulses carried by small-diameter fibers, and can be worn for extended periods under professional guidance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question is B) TENS involves the electrical stimulation of large-diameter fibers to inhibit the transmission of painful impulses carried over small-diameter fibers. A TENS unit, which stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is a non-invasive method used for pain relief. It works by delivering a low-voltage electrical current through electrodes placed on the skin, which helps to alleviate pain by stimulating the nerves in the affected area. TENS is often used to treat localized pain rather than generalized pain, and it can be worn for extended periods depending on the patient's needs and the healthcare provider's instructions.

Option A is incorrect because TENS is non-invasive. Option C is incorrect as TENS is typically used for localized pain. Option D is also incorrect because a TENS unit can indeed be used for extended periods, as long as it's under professional guidance and according to the patient's tolerance and therapy plan.

Answer 2

A TENS unit is a non-invasive pain management device that stimulates large-diameter fibers to inhibit pain carried by small-diameter fibers and is used continuously during waking hours, contrary to being an invasive or intermittently used method.

Step-by-step explanation:

When applying a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit to a patient recovering from abdominal surgery, it is important to consider that TENS involves the electrical stimulation of large-diameter fibers. This stimulation is aimed at inhibiting the transmission of painful impulses carried over small-diameter fibers. Essentially, TENS is a non-invasive method that helps modulate pain and is commonly used to manage localized pain. It is not considered particularly effective for generalized pain, contradicting one of the provided statements.

Unlike the statement provided, TENS is not an invasive technique; it operates externally. Furthermore, it's designed for continuous use during waking hours, which can contradict the claim that it should not be worn for extended periods. It's typically applied via electrodes attached to the skin above the area of pain, and the frequency and intensity of the unit can be adjusted according to the patient's comfort and pain-relief response.

Non-invasive brain stimulation methods have been shown to provide benefits across a variety of neurological functions, but TENS specifically focuses on pain relief. The usage of a TENS unit should always be according to a healthcare provider’s instructions and monitored for any skin irritation or adverse effects during use.