Prior to placing electrodes on a person's skin, what would you look for?

Prior to placing electrodes on a person's skin, what would you look for?

• A. Open wounds only.
• B. Discoloration and bruising only.
• C. Intact sensation only.
• D. Open wounds, intact sensation, discoloration, bruising, signs of infection, and skin integrity.

Answer: (D)

Before placing skin-contact electrodes, you inspect the skin to ensure safety and reliable signal. Check for open wounds or signs of infection so you don’t place an electrode on damaged tissue or introduce infection. Look for discoloration or bruising, which can indicate tissue fragility or poor circulation and make adhesion unsafe or readings unreliable. Confirm intact sensation so the person can report discomfort and you know their protective sensory feedback is present to detect any adverse reaction. Assess overall skin integrity—dryness, moisture, and integrity of the surface—to ensure good contact without causing irritation or skin breakdown. If any of these conditions are present, you would choose a different site or adjust the approach rather than applying electrodes to compromised skin.

Before placing skin-contact electrodes, you inspect the skin to ensure safety and reliable signal. Check for open wounds or signs of infection so you don’t place an electrode on damaged tissue or introduce infection. Look for discoloration or bruising, which can indicate tissue fragility or poor circulation and make adhesion unsafe or readings unreliable. Confirm intact sensation so the person can report discomfort and you know their protective sensory feedback is present to detect any adverse reaction. Assess overall skin integrity—dryness, moisture, and integrity of the surface—to ensure good contact without causing irritation or skin breakdown. If any of these conditions are present, you would choose a different site or adjust the approach rather than applying electrodes to compromised skin.