Equipment: monopolar diathermy: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Equipment: monopolar diathermy

Sample item

Which statement about monopolar diathermy is correct?

AIt cannot affect pacemakersBThe return plate is unnecessaryCThe return plate must be large and well applied to avoid burns at the pad siteDCurrent flows only between the forceps tines

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. The return plate must be large and well applied to avoid burns at the pad site

In monopolar diathermy, current flows from the active electrode through the body to a return plate. A large contact area gives low current density and prevents burns, and poor contact causes burns at the plate or at alternative earth points. Bipolar diathermy passes current between two tines and is preferred in patients with pacemakers.

Option by option

A. It cannot affect pacemakers
Interference with pacemakers occurs.
B. The return plate is unnecessary
The plate completes the circuit.
C. The return plate must be large and well applied to avoid burns at the pad site (correct)
Correct. The return plate must have a large area and good contact.
D. Current flows only between the forceps tines
This describes bipolar diathermy.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is C, The return plate must be large and well applied to avoid burns at the pad site. In monopolar diathermy, current flows from the active electrode through the body to a return plate.

Why is "It cannot affect pacemakers" not the answer?

Interference with pacemakers occurs.

Why is "The return plate is unnecessary" not the answer?

The plate completes the circuit.

Why is "Current flows only between the forceps tines" not the answer?

This describes bipolar diathermy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Equipment: monopolar diathermy in Anaesthesia. A large contact area gives low current density and prevents burns, and poor contact causes burns at the plate or at alternative earth points. Bipolar diathermy passes current between two tines and is preferred in patients with pacemakers.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Equipment: monopolar diathermy?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.