Final answer:
Rhonda's microcurrent device has built-in safety features that prevent electric shock, adhering to safety standards that consider currents below 5mA to be safe. In medical settings, heightened electrical safety measures protect microshock-sensitive patients from even smaller currents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rhonda is able to handle the cords of her microcurrent device without being shocked because the device has safety features to prevent electric shock. This safety consideration is necessary in electrical devices to ensure users are not exposed to the dangers of electrical currents. While very small currents can pass harmlessly through the body, safety standards typically consider a maximum of 5mA to be a safe shock level. Above this, currents can cause muscular contractions or the 'can't let go' effect, which can be dangerous. Therefore, safety features are designed to prevent currents exceeding this level from reaching the user.
In addition to safety features in the device itself, stringent electrical safety requirements are applied in environments like hospitals to protect microshock-sensitive patients, who can be affected by even smaller currents due to reduced body resistance. Such considerations are crucial in ensuring the safety of both patients and the practitioners using electrical devices in medical settings.