Introduction to Electrotherapy Practice Test

In monopolar arrangements, you place one small active electrode near the treatment area and a much larger dispersive (return) electrode somewhere else on the body. This setup concentrates the current density at the active site to target the tissue, while the large dispersive pad spreads the current over a wide area to keep return current comfortable and reduce skin irritation.

That’s why the description with one large dispersive electrode and one small active electrode is the best fit. The large pad serves as the return path and minimizes local heating or discomfort away from the treatment target, while the small active electrode focuses stimulation where you want it.

The other descriptions describe different setups: using two equal-sized active electrodes near the target would be a bipolar arrangement, not monopolar. Three electrodes of the same size don’t define monopolar specifically and would imply a different configuration (like tripolar). Two small electrodes placed near the nerve lack a distinct large dispersive return pad, which is essential to monopolar current flow.