RML MAINS 2025
Medical & Surgical Nursing
Easy
During an electrosurgical procedure, the nurse applies a diathermy pad (return pad) to the patient. What is the primary function?
Appeared in: RML MAINS 2025
Explanation
- In monopolar electrosurgery, the diathermy pad acts as the return electrode, which is essential for completing the electrical circuit.
- The current flows from the generator, through the active electrode and the patient, and then exits through the large surface area of the diathermy pad.
- The primary purpose of the pad is to safely disperse this electrical current as it returns to the generator, thereby preventing thermal injury (burns) at the exit site.
- This function is often referred to as 'grounding,' as it provides a safe path for the electrical energy to complete its circuit.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: This describes the function of the active electrode (e.g., Bovie pencil), which concentrates and delivers the current to the target tissue for cutting or coagulation.
- Option C: The diathermy pad does not have a cooling function. Its purpose is related to electrical current flow, and improper use can lead to significant heat generation and burns.
- Option D: Monitoring the patient's heart rhythm is done using dedicated ECG electrodes, leads, and a cardiac monitor. The diathermy pad is part of the electrosurgical unit and is not involved in cardiac monitoring.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Function of Diathermy Pad in Electrosurgery to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
- The nurse's primary role in electrosurgery is patient safety, which hinges on the correct application and monitoring of the diathermy pad to prevent severe electrical burns.
- A 'never event' in surgery is a patient burn from an electrosurgical device. Proper pad placement on a large, well-vascularized muscle mass, away from bony prominences, implants, or tattoos, is a critical nursing intervention.
- What if the patient has a metal hip implant? The nurse must place the diathermy pad on a limb or area far from the implant and ensure the current path does not cross the implant to prevent channeling of electricity and internal burns.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the key terms in the question: 'diathermy pad,' 'return pad,' and 'primary function.'
- Recall the principles of electrosurgery from your perioperative nursing knowledge. Differentiate between monopolar and bipolar circuits.
- Recognize that the diathermy pad is used in monopolar surgery and is also called a 'grounding pad' or 'return electrode.'
- Evaluate each option based on this understanding. Option A describes the active electrode. Option C is incorrect as the pad relates to electricity, not cooling. Option D relates to a different monitoring system (ECG).
- Conclude that the pad's function is to complete the electrical circuit safely, which matches Option B.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Function of Diathermy Pad in Electrosurgery
- Stem keywords: electrosurgical procedure, diathermy pad, return pad, primary function
- Lead-in keywords: What is
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
Q_1z3oCh4zT0PXi4eSh-aw
Reference Book
E6 Gynecology Williams pp. 1-10, 8
Practise the full RML MAINS 2025
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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