Question

The registered nurse is teaching a nursing student about applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to a patient. Which of the nursing student's statements indicate a need for further teaching? Select all that apply.

Option 1: "I should set the frequency to no more than 50 Hz."
Option 2: "I should use TENS on patients who have chronic cancer pain."
Option 3: "I should place TENS electrodes directly over or near the site of pain."
Option 4: "I should apply hair or skin preparations before placing TENS electrodes."
Option 5: "I should remove TENS electrodes if the patient feels a buzzing or tingling sensation."

Answer 1

The nursing student needs further teaching on the frequency, appropriate use for chronic cancer pain, and preparation before placing TENS electrodes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the nursing student's statements that indicate a need for further teaching are:

• Option 1: The frequency should be no more than 100 Hz, not 50 Hz.
• Option 2: While TENS can be used for chronic pain, it is not specific to cancer pain.
• Option 4: Hair or skin preparations should not be applied before placing TENS electrodes as they may interfere with conductivity.

The correct statements are:

• Option 3: TENS electrodes should be placed directly over or near the site of pain.
• Option 5: TENS electrodes should be removed if the patient feels a buzzing or tingling sensation as it may indicate skin irritation or an issue with electrode placement.