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What does TENS primarily aim to relieve?
What does TENS primarily aim to relieve?
Which of the following is a characteristic of the electrical current used in TENS?
Which of the following is a characteristic of the electrical current used in TENS?
What is the primary advantage of TENS therapy over traditional pain management methods?
What is the primary advantage of TENS therapy over traditional pain management methods?
Which of the following biophysical characteristics is NOT associated with TENS?
Which of the following biophysical characteristics is NOT associated with TENS?
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In TENS therapy, what is the typical frequency range used?
In TENS therapy, what is the typical frequency range used?
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What is the purpose of electrode placement in TENS treatment?
What is the purpose of electrode placement in TENS treatment?
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Which of the following pulse durations is typical for TENS?
Which of the following pulse durations is typical for TENS?
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What is one reason TENS might be preferred over pharmaceuticals for pain management?
What is one reason TENS might be preferred over pharmaceuticals for pain management?
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What is the sole therapeutic effect of TENS?
What is the sole therapeutic effect of TENS?
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Which nerve fibers are activated first during TENS application?
Which nerve fibers are activated first during TENS application?
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According to the gate control theory, which type of nerve fibers help close the neurological 'gate'?
According to the gate control theory, which type of nerve fibers help close the neurological 'gate'?
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What sensation does noxious-level stimulation primarily evoke?
What sensation does noxious-level stimulation primarily evoke?
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What role does the dorsal horn play in pain perception?
What role does the dorsal horn play in pain perception?
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What is the main function of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG)?
What is the main function of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG)?
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Which system is primarily affected by the selective depolarization of specific afferent nerve fibers during pain modulation?
Which system is primarily affected by the selective depolarization of specific afferent nerve fibers during pain modulation?
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What results from the stimulation of A-beta nerve fibers in TENS therapy?
What results from the stimulation of A-beta nerve fibers in TENS therapy?
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What sensation is typically perceived during acupuncture-like mode of electrical stimulation?
What sensation is typically perceived during acupuncture-like mode of electrical stimulation?
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Which nerve fibers are primarily depolarized in brief-intense mode?
Which nerve fibers are primarily depolarized in brief-intense mode?
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In which mode does analgesia onset occur relatively rapidly?
In which mode does analgesia onset occur relatively rapidly?
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What is the primary method of pain modulation in the burst mode?
What is the primary method of pain modulation in the burst mode?
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What characterizes the electrical pulses delivered in burst mode?
What characterizes the electrical pulses delivered in burst mode?
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What is the expected sensation during the acupuncture-like mode of stimulation?
What is the expected sensation during the acupuncture-like mode of stimulation?
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How does the analgesia of the acupuncture-like mode compare to other modes?
How does the analgesia of the acupuncture-like mode compare to other modes?
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Identify the primary characteristic of brief-intense mode.
Identify the primary characteristic of brief-intense mode.
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What condition has the strongest evidence for TENS application?
What condition has the strongest evidence for TENS application?
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Which of the following is a contraindication for using TENS?
Which of the following is a contraindication for using TENS?
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During pregnancy, which area is typically contraindicated for TENS electrode placement?
During pregnancy, which area is typically contraindicated for TENS electrode placement?
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For patients with a pacemaker, how should TENS be applied?
For patients with a pacemaker, how should TENS be applied?
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Which precautions should be taken when using TENS?
Which precautions should be taken when using TENS?
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What is a safe condition for using TENS during labor?
What is a safe condition for using TENS during labor?
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What is important regarding electrode placement for patients with abnormal skin sensation?
What is important regarding electrode placement for patients with abnormal skin sensation?
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Which of the following statements regarding TENS for patients with epilepsy is correct?
Which of the following statements regarding TENS for patients with epilepsy is correct?
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What is the primary reason for cleaning the skin surface before applying electrodes?
What is the primary reason for cleaning the skin surface before applying electrodes?
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When should sterile electrodes be used according to the specified conditions?
When should sterile electrodes be used according to the specified conditions?
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Which of the following electrode placements is NOT recommended?
Which of the following electrode placements is NOT recommended?
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How can skin irritation from electrode placement be minimized?
How can skin irritation from electrode placement be minimized?
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What is the correct action if the treatment is performed at home?
What is the correct action if the treatment is performed at home?
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Which of the following is a required step after the treatment is completed?
Which of the following is a required step after the treatment is completed?
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What type of gel should be applied to the electrodes before placement?
What type of gel should be applied to the electrodes before placement?
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What should you NOT instruct a patient to do regarding the device and electrodes?
What should you NOT instruct a patient to do regarding the device and electrodes?
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Study Notes
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- TENS is an electrotherapeutic modality used to stimulate nerves.
- TENS delivers electricity across the intact surface of the skin.
- It is a non-invasive analgesic modality.
- TENS is classified as pulsed current.
Rationale for TENS
- TENS is a therapeutic alternative for managing pain.
- It is non-invasive and has no side effects.
- TENS can be administered easily at home and at work.
- TENS is more affordable than drugs and surgery.
Biophysical Characteristics of TENS
- Waveforms: Biphasic, symmetrical, asymmetrical
- Pulses: Single pulse/burst of pulses
- Frequency: 1-200Hz
- Pulse width or duration: 50-400 microseconds
- Amplitude or intensity: 0-120mA
Therapeutic Effects and Indications of TENS
- Pain Modulation: TENS modulates or decreases pain by depolarizing peripheral nerves.
- Gate Control Theory: TENS stimulates non-nociceptive (A-beta) nerve fibers, "closing the gate" to pain signals in the spinal cord.
- Opiate System: TENS activates the opiate system to reduce pain perception.
Modes of TENS
Conventional Mode
- Low-frequency (1-10Hz), high-intensity.
- Depolarizes A-beta fibres.
- Relief through the gate control theory.
- Rapid onset, short duration.
Acupuncture-like Mode
- Low-frequency (1-5Hz), long-duration.
- Depolarizes A-beta and alpha motor fibers.
- Relief through the opiate system.
- Slow onset, long duration.
Brief-intense Mode
- High-frequency (80-150Hz), short-duration.
- Depolarizes A-beta, A-delta, and C fibers.
- Relief through the opiate system.
- Rapid onset, long duration.
Burst Mode
- Low-frequency bursts.
- Depolarizes A-delta and alpha motor fibers.
- Relief through the opiate system.
- Slow onset, long duration.
Research Based Indications
- Postoperative abdominal pain
- Postoperative thoracic pain
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Dysmenorrheal pain
- Postoperative orthopedic pain
- Low-back pain
- Neurogenic pain
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Stump/phantom pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis pain
- Orofacial pain
Contraindications
- Patients who do not comprehend instructions or cannot cooperate.
- Application over the trunk, abdomen or pelvis during pregnancy, although safe under controlled conditions.
- Patients with pacemakers, although possible under controlled conditions.
- Allergic reaction to electrodes, gel or tape.
- Electrode placement over dermatological lesions.
- Application over the anterior aspect of the neck or carotid sinus.
Precautions
- Place electrodes elsewhere if there is abnormal skin sensation.
- Avoid placing electrodes over the eyes.
- Treat patients with epilepsy with caution, especially in the neck and upper thoracic regions.
- Avoid active epiphyseal regions in children.
- Avoid abdominal electrode placement during labor as it may interfere with fetal monitoring.
TENS Application Steps
- Position the patient comfortably.
- Instruct the patient to avoid touching the device.
- Clean the skin surface with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Clip hair to ensure optimal electrode-skin coupling.
- Select the appropriate stimulator type (cabinet or portable).
- Select the mode of delivery ( conventional, acupuncture-like, brief-intense, burst, or modulation).
- Select the appropriate electrode type (sterile or reusable).
- Prepare the stimulating electrodes with electroconductive gel.
- Place the electrodes according to the desired location (painful area, around the area, dermatomes, acupuncture points, trigger points).
- Attach the electrodes to the skin using tape or patches.
- Connect the electrodes to the stimulator circuit outputs.
- Apply the treatment for the prescribed duration.
- Monitor the patient for any unexpected responses.
- Remove the electrodes and inspect the skin.
- Clean the treated surface and reusable electrodes.
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Description
This quiz explores Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), a non-invasive method for pain management. It covers the rationale, biophysical characteristics, and therapeutic effects of TENS, highlighting its advantages over traditional pain relief methods. Test your knowledge about how TENS works and its applications in pain modulation.