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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Electrosurgery Generator Test: Check Your Core Knowledge

Quick, free electrosurgical unit test. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Priscilla LetsoaloUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art illustrating a quiz on Surgical Energy Device Knowledge Test

This quiz helps you review electrosurgery generator basics, including functions, safety steps, and key performance factors. Answer 15 multiple-choice questions and get instant feedback to spot gaps in your understanding before a case. For extra practice, try the electronics test, the sterile processing quiz, or broaden fundamentals with an electrical quiz.

Which component of an electrosurgical system directly delivers the electrical current to the patient's tissue?
Footswitch
Patient return electrode
Active electrode
Smoke evacuator
The active electrode is the instrument tip that applies the high-frequency current to the tissue. The return electrode and other components serve different functions in completing the circuit or managing byproducts.
What is the primary function of an electrosurgical generator?
Generate high-frequency electrical current
Amplify nerve signals
Decontaminate surgical instruments
Monitor patient vital signs
An electrosurgical generator converts mains power into a controlled high-frequency electrical current for cutting and coagulating tissue. It does not monitor vitals or sterilize instruments.
What is the main purpose of the dispersive (return) electrode in monopolar electrosurgery?
Insulate the active electrode
Deliver current to tissue
Filter surgical smoke
Complete the electrical circuit safely
The dispersive electrode provides a large-area return path for the current to complete the circuit. It prevents concentrated heating at the return site.
In monopolar electrosurgery, which accessory is essential to complete the electrical circuit safely?
Grounding rod
Bipolar forceps
Smoke evacuator
Dispersive electrode pad
A dispersive electrode pad (return pad) is required in monopolar setups to safely return current to the generator. Bipolar forceps are used in bipolar configurations.
Which waveform characteristic is used primarily for cutting tissue in electrosurgery?
Continuous waveform
Burst waveform
Modulated waveform
Pulsed waveform
A continuous high-frequency sinusoidal waveform rapidly heats and vaporizes cells for cutting. Pulsed or modulated waveforms are typically used for coagulation.
Increasing the power setting on an electrosurgical generator primarily affects which of the following?
Sterility of instruments
Color of the tissue
Duration of the surgery
Depth of tissue effect
Higher power increases current density and energy delivery, resulting in a deeper effect in the tissue. It does not change tissue color or sterility.
Which waveform is most appropriate for coagulation in electrosurgical procedures?
Triangular waveform
Pulsed waveform
Random waveform
Continuous waveform
A pulsed or intermittent waveform allows tissue to cool between bursts, promoting protein denaturation and coagulation. Continuous waveforms are used primarily for cutting.
Which safety protocol helps prevent patient burns at the return electrode site?
Always increase power output
Verify proper pad placement before activation
Avoid any grounding methods
Use uninsulated electrodes
Ensuring the return pad has full contact with the skin greatly reduces the risk of burns. Poor placement or air gaps can concentrate current and cause thermal injury.
What parameter increase is most likely to cause charring on tissue during electrosurgery?
Ambient humidity
Lower frequency
Power density
Electrode size
Higher power density concentrates energy into a smaller area, raising temperatures and leading to tissue charring. Electrode size and humidity have less direct impact on char formation.
An ideal dispersive electrode pad should have which characteristic?
Sharp edges
Large surface area
Nonconductive surface
Small contact area
A large pad surface area disperses current over more tissue, reducing current density and preventing burns. Sharp edges or small areas concentrate current and increase burn risk.
If an electrosurgical unit fails to activate when the footswitch is pressed, the first step in troubleshooting should be to?
Change the waveform mode
Check the footswitch connection and cable
Increase the power setting
Replace the return electrode pad
A disconnected or damaged footswitch cable is a common cause of no activation. Verifying that the footswitch is properly connected is the quickest initial check.
A key best practice for electrosurgical safety is to ensure proper equipment grounding to:
Prevent electrical shock to staff and patient
Sterilize surgical instruments more effectively
Improve cutting speed
Reduce overall procedure costs
Proper grounding ensures stray currents are safely conducted away, minimizing shock risks. Grounding does not affect cutting performance or sterilization.
High tissue impedance during electrosurgery will most likely result in:
Excessive smoke only
No change in current
Reduced current flow
Increased current flow
High impedance resists current flow, lowering delivered energy to the target site. This can reduce cutting or coagulation efficiency.
To minimize surgical smoke exposure during electrosurgery, the best practice is to:
Wear double-layer gloves
Use a plume evacuation system
Shorten the active electrode
Increase generator power
A plume evacuation system captures and filters smoke at its source, reducing inhalation hazards. Gloves and power adjustments do not remove smoke.
Visible sparking at the instrument tip during activation often indicates which type of device malfunction?
Normal operation
Sensor failure
Arc-over condition
Low battery
Sparking or flashovers occur when current jumps to unintended surfaces, indicating insulation failure or conductive contamination. This is unsafe and requires correction.
How does a blend waveform in electrosurgery achieve both cutting and coagulation effects?
By varying the duty cycle of the continuous waveform
By solely increasing electrode temperature
By alternating the current direction rapidly
By changing the instrument shape during activation
Blend modes modulate the continuous waveform on and off (duty cycle), combining cutting energy with intermittent coagulation bursts. This creates simultaneous vaporization and hemostasis.
What action does a generator's ground fault detection feature perform when leakage current exceeds a safe threshold?
Switches to coagulation mode only
Increases the power output automatically
Reduces the waveform frequency
Triggers an alarm and disables output
Ground fault detection senses unintended leakage current and shuts down the generator to prevent shocks. An alarm alerts staff to the unsafe condition.
The purpose of impedance feedback control in modern electrosurgical units is to:
Measure patient temperature continuously
Regulate insufflation gas flow
Record surgery time for documentation
Monitor tissue impedance and adjust power output automatically
Impedance feedback constantly gauges the tissue's resistance and tailors power delivery for consistent cutting or coagulation. It optimizes efficiency and safety.
Reducing the duty cycle of a waveform in electrosurgery primarily influences what outcome?
Reduces smoke generation
Decreases thermal spread in tissue
Increases char formation
Extends instrument lifespan
A lower duty cycle means shorter bursts of energy and longer cooling intervals, limiting collateral thermal damage. Char formation and smoke are more influenced by power density.
When bipolar forceps fail to coagulate tissue effectively, a recommended troubleshooting step is to?
Sterilize the forceps again
Inspect the cable continuity and ensure proper tip contact
Increase the room humidity level
Switch to monopolar mode immediately
Poor cable connections or lack of tissue contact between forceps tips can prevent current flow. Verifying continuity and contact restores proper coagulation.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key components and functions of surgical energy devices.
  2. Analyse safety protocols for electrosurgical equipment use.
  3. Evaluate parameters affecting device performance and patient outcomes.
  4. Demonstrate correct device setup and operation procedures.
  5. Apply troubleshooting techniques for common device malfunctions.
  6. Master best practices for energy-based surgical procedures.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the basic principles of electrosurgery. - Electrosurgery uses high-frequency currents to slice or seal tissue like a surgical superhero, blending physics and precision. Grasp concepts such as current density, electrode size, and tissue conductivity to predict how energy will flow through your "electrical circuit." Remember Ohm's Law (I = V/R) to keep the sparks under control and your incisions spot-on.
  2. Differentiate between monopolar and bipolar devices. - Monopolar tools need a return pad to complete the circuit, sending energy from the active electrode through the body and back again. Bipolar devices house both electrodes side by side at the tip, offering pinpoint coagulation with minimal stray burns. Mastering this distinction helps you choose the right tool for each surgical scenario.
  3. Recognize the importance of proper electrode selection. - Electrode shape and size directly influence current density and tissue interaction, so picking the right tip is like choosing the perfect paintbrush for your masterpiece. Smaller electrodes concentrate energy for fine cuts, while broader tips are ideal for gentle coagulation. Mix and match to sculpt tissue with surgical artistry!
  4. Implement safety precautions to prevent burns and injuries. - Always position the return electrode correctly, steer clear of stray metal contacts, and keep flammable substances at bay. Routine equipment checks and hands-on staff drills turn potential hazards into predictable outcomes. Safety first means confidence in every case!
  5. Be aware of potential interference with implantable devices. - Electrosurgical currents can tickle or even disrupt pacemakers and defibrillators, so use quick bursts of energy and lower settings when you're near these lifesavers. Plan electrode placement to keep circuits clear of implanted electronics - and always have a pacer-aware plan.
  6. Understand the significance of smoke evacuation. - Surgical smoke is more than an annoying fog; it carries toxic particles that can irritate lungs and eyes. Deploy smoke evacuators equipped with HEPA or ULPA filters, and maintain proper OR ventilation to keep the air clear for both patient and team.
  7. Familiarize yourself with common device malfunctions and troubleshooting. - From insulation breaks to unexpected burns, knowing the red flags of electrosurgical gear keeps you one step ahead of trouble. Schedule regular maintenance, inspect cables and electrodes, and practice quick fixes so you can jump back into action without missing a beat.
  8. Master the setup and operation of electrosurgical units. - A flawless case starts with the right power settings, snug connections, and pre-use functionality checks. Learn each unit's user interface, follow manufacturer checklists, and run through a mock startup to transform nerves into surgical nirvana.
  9. Apply best practices for energy-based surgical procedures. - Keep your skills sharp with up-to-date guidelines and hands-on training like the Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy (FUSE) program. Adhering to evidence-based protocols ensures consistent, safe results every time you fire up the generator.
  10. Emphasize continuous education and training. - Electrosurgery technology evolves fast, so make workshops, webinars, and certification courses part of your regular routine. Staying curious and informed not only boosts your confidence - it keeps patients safer and outcomes stellar.
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