If a patient is undergoing electrotherapy, which safety measure is key to avoiding burns?

Using larger active electrodes is a key safety measure in electrotherapy that helps in avoiding burns. The primary reason is that larger electrodes distribute the electrical current over a greater surface area of the skin. This reduces electrical density at any specific point, which in turn minimizes the risk of thermal injury or burns. When current density is lower, there is less likelihood of creating excessive heat in the underlying tissues, which is a major concern when conducting electrotherapy treatments.

The effectiveness of using larger electrodes is particularly significant during electrotherapy, where high frequencies or intensities may be used. Ensuring that the electrodes are adequately sized helps maintain both efficacy in treatment and safety for the patient.

In terms of other options, while ensuring proper skin moisture is important, it focuses primarily on enhancing conductivity rather than preventing burns. Increasing treatment time typically increases the risk of burn due to prolonged exposure to electrical stimulation. Similarly, while positioning electrodes far apart can alter how current flows, it does not specifically address the direct concern of heat concentration at the electrode-skin interface.