Question

What precaution is used in diathermy?

(a) the patient is made to lie on a soft pillow

(b) pads are used for grounding and completing the circuit

(c) the patient is made to drink a large number of fluids

(d) wooden blocks are used for grounding

This question was addressed to me in quiz.

This intriguing question originated from Diathermy, Measurement of Radiation, Dose and its Calculations in portion Radiation Therapy of Clinical Science

Answer 1

The correct answer is (b) pads are used for grounding and completing the circuit

The best I can explain: Diathermy machines produce electromagnetic waves and the current used to produce these waves is huge. In case of any accidents, the person on whom diathermy is being performed and the one who is performing it, both can get severely injured. Thus, electrode gel and pads are both used for diathermy, surgical and therapeutic.