If impedance readings are high during setup, what should you do?

If impedance readings are high during setup, what should you do?

• A. Ignore and proceed.
• B. Increase amplitude to overcome impedance.
• C. Replace patient with a different one.
• D. Improve electrode contact, hydrate skin, or adjust lead placement.

Answer: (D)

High impedance means the electrode-skin interface isn’t conducting current well, which can lead to unstable, ineffective therapy and potential skin irritation if you push higher currents. The right move is to improve the contact: cleanse the skin to remove oils, dry it, apply conductive gel or paste if appropriate, hydrate the skin, and make sure the electrodes are firmly in place with proper lead placement. These steps lower impedance and create a safer, more predictable pathway for the current. Ignoring the impedance, cranking up the amplitude, or swapping the patient doesn’t address the underlying contact issue and can cause discomfort or unsafe stimulation.

High impedance means the electrode-skin interface isn’t conducting current well, which can lead to unstable, ineffective therapy and potential skin irritation if you push higher currents. The right move is to improve the contact: cleanse the skin to remove oils, dry it, apply conductive gel or paste if appropriate, hydrate the skin, and make sure the electrodes are firmly in place with proper lead placement. These steps lower impedance and create a safer, more predictable pathway for the current. Ignoring the impedance, cranking up the amplitude, or swapping the patient doesn’t address the underlying contact issue and can cause discomfort or unsafe stimulation.