A patient with acute back pain is given a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit to use at home. Which of the following activities is NOT the responsibility of the patient?

Prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination with our comprehensive NPTE Modalities Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations to enhance your understanding. Ensure your success with our focused resources!

The correct answer involves recognizing the level of involvement expected from the patient when using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit at home. In this context, the patient typically has control over certain parameters to manage their pain relief effectively. This includes adjusting the current intensity and changing the electrodes, as these tasks require a degree of physical interaction with the unit and familiarity with its operation.

However, altering the pulse rate and width is generally not the responsibility of the patient. These settings often require a deeper understanding of the therapeutic goals and electrical principles behind TENS. Modulating these parameters can significantly affect the efficacy of the treatment and may not be suitable for the patient to adjust without professional guidance. It is common for these settings to be predetermined by a therapist based on the patient's specific needs and the clinical goals of the treatment, ensuring that the patient benefits as intended from the therapy while minimizing the risk of improper use.

Therefore, the patient's responsibility primarily centers around manageable tasks under the context of their home care, and altering the pulse rate and width is typically left to the therapist or health care provider for safety and optimal treatment.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy