What is used to provide a path for electrical current to return from the patient to the electrosurgical unit (ESU)?

• A. Grounding pads
• B. Insulated gown
• C. Surgical drapes
• D. Lead apron

Answer: (A)

Electrical current in electrosurgery needs a return path back to the unit to complete the circuit. This is provided by the grounding pad (also called the dispersive electrode) placed on a large, well-vascular area of the patient. The current travels from the active instrument through the tissue and into the grounding pad, then back to the ESU, safely completing the loop. The grounding pad must have good skin contact and be intact to prevent burns from concentrated current.

Other items don’t serve this purpose: an insulated gown or surgical drapes act as barriers and do not provide a return path for the current, and a lead apron protects against radiation, not electrical energy.