Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills: A Nursing Process Approach

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Copyright © 2011 by Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:

Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:
A Nursing Process Approach, 3rd edition

Name Date

Unit Position

Instructor/Evaluator: Position

SKILL 10-3

Applying and Caring for a Patient Using a

TENS Unit

Goal:The patient reports increased comfort and decreased pain;

and is free from injury, skin irritation or breakdown. Comments

1. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.


2. Identify the patient.


3. Show the patient the device, and explain its function and
   the reason for its use.


4. Assess the patient’s pain, using an appropriate assessment
   tool and measurement scale. (See Fundamentals Review
   10-1 through 10-6.)


5. Inspect the area where the electrodes are to be placed.
   Clean the patient’s skin, using skin cleanser and water.
   Dry the area thoroughly.


6. Remove the adhesive backing from the electrodes and
   apply them to the specified location. If the electrodes are
   not pregelled, apply a small amount of electrode gel to
   the bottom of each electrode.If the electrodes are not self-
   adhering, tape them in place.
   7.Check the placement of the electrodes; leave at least a 2
   (5 cm) space (about the width of one electrode) between
   them.
   8.Check the controls on the TENS unit to make sure that
   they are off.Connect the wires to the electrodes (if not
   already attached) and plug them into the unit.


7. Turn on the unit and adjust the intensity setting to the low-
   est intensity and determine if the patient can feel a tingling,
   burning, or buzzing sensation. Then adjust the intensity to
   the prescribed amount or the setting most comfortable for
   the patient. Secure the unit to the patient.


8. Set the pulse width (duration of the each pulsation) as
   indicated or recommended.


9. Assess the patient’s pain level during therapy.
   a. If intermittent use is ordered, turn the unit off after
   the specified duration of treatment and remove the
   electrodes. Provide skin care to the area.

ExcellentSatisfactoryNeeds Practice