Module Test: ESU - ECSACONM - Appropedia, the sustainability wiki

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Use the quiz below to check your understanding of the material.

Instructions

Work through each question carefully to choose the best answer, and submit the quiz to view your results. After completing the quiz, read through the answer explanations to review the reasoning behind both correct and incorrect options.

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During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon notes intermittent alarms from the ESU generator. The scrub nurse observes moisture pooling under the grounding pad. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

	Pause activation and dry the pad site before reassessment
	Switch to monopolar mode to compensate for resistance
	Continue operation as long as alarms reset automatically
	Increase the wattage to maintain tissue effect

In a case with a patient who has a hip prosthesis, the team must use electrosurgery. Which configuration minimizes the risk of unintended current flow?

	Monopolar mode at higher wattage for shorter activation times
	Monopolar mode with pad on the same limb as the implant
	Bipolar mode confined to the surgical field
	Monopolar mode with the pad placed near the prosthesis

Before draping, the scrub nurse tests the ESU using the handpiece. The tone is continuous in coagulation mode. What should be done next?

	Continue but document tone irregularity later
	Reduce power settings until the tone becomes intermittent
	Proceed with setup since tone presence confirms output
	Recheck that the correct mode is selected and tone corresponds appropriately

During an emergency procedure in a low-resource facility, the scrub nurse must prepare the ESU without a test tool. What is the safest verification method?

	Connecting to tissue immediately to confirm effect
	Relying solely on audio alarms for confirmation
	Brief activation at low wattage away from the patient
	Skipping the test to maintain sterile timing

A circulating nurse notices the ESU cable insulation appears cracked but still conducts current. The surgeon insists on proceeding to save time. What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?

	Replace the cable and document the action before continuing
	Proceed carefully and inspect post-procedure
	Continue use and lower wattage to minimize risk
	Wipe the cable with alcohol and wrap with sterile tape

The ESU generator displays unexpected low output despite correct settings. The tone is absent during activation. Which step should occur first in troubleshooting?

	Inspect handpiece buttons and pedal function
	Cycle generator power to reset the system
	Replace the generator entirely
	Reconnect the return electrode and test again

A patient with diaphoretic skin requires monopolar electrosurgery. What preparatory action best ensures safe pad adhesion?

	Shave and apply gel to improve conductivity
	Dry and clean the skin before pad placement
	Use alcohol wipes immediately before adhesion
	Place pad over bony prominence for stability

Mid-procedure, the ESU tone becomes irregular and tissue response weakens. The generator and cables appear intact. What is the next most logical step?

	Inspect return electrode adhesion and contact quality
	Replace the generator without further inspection
	Increase wattage to maintain tissue effect
	Continue activation and document irregularity later

During a training procedure, a resident activates the ESU handpiece while resting it on the drape. The circulating nurse notices light smoke but no visible damage. What best practice should be reinforced?

	Activation is safe on drapes if wattage is below coagulation threshold
	Handpiece must always be secured in its sterile holster when not in use
	The surgeon should monitor tone to prevent drape ignition
	Decrease wattage permanently to prevent recurrence

A senior nurse mentoring a new team member in a low-resource OR emphasizes documentation. Which entry most accurately supports both safety and accountability?

	“Generator used safely with no issues.”
	“Equipment appeared in good condition pre-op.”
	“Surgery uneventful; ESU used as needed.”
	“Baseline settings 35W cut / 25W coag; pad on left thigh; alarms tested functional.”

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Page data
Part of	Electro-Surgical Units - ECSACONM#Module Self Assessment
Keywords	surgery, health
SDG	SDG03 Good health and well-being
Authors
License	CC-BY-SA-4.0
Organizations	ECSACONM, SELF
Language	English (en)
Related	0 subpages, 2 pages link here
Views	2 page views (analytics)
Created	October 14, 2025 by KatKor
Last edit	October 14, 2025 by KatKor
Cite as	KatKor (2025). "Module Test: ESU - ECSACONM". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
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