Which item is included in patient education for TENS therapy?

• A. Do not apply electrodes over eyes, carotid sinus nerves, or broken/irritated skin
• B. Apply over the eyes to monitor for irritation
• C. Wear while sleeping at all times
• D. Use without doctor approval

Answer: (A)

Safety of electrode placement is tested here. TENS therapy uses skin electrodes to deliver mild electrical currents to relieve pain, so where you place those pads matters for safety. Do not apply electrodes over the eyes, over the carotid sinus region, or on broken or irritated skin. Stimulation near the eyes can cause eye injury or reflexive responses, stimulation near the carotid sinus can affect heart rate and blood pressure, and applying to broken or irritated skin increases the risk of burns and infection. That’s why patient education emphasizes placing pads on intact skin away from sensitive areas like the eyes and neck, and inspecting the skin before use.

The other options aren’t appropriate: electrodes should not be placed over the eyes, wearing the device during sleep isn’t a standard safe practice due to uncontrolled stimulation and potential skin issues, and using TENS without appropriate medical guidance can overlook contraindications and safety checks.