Microshock sensitive

Definition

Microshock sensitive describes a condition where an individual is highly susceptible to electric currents as small as microamperes, typically due to the presence of medical devices that provide a direct path to the heart. This sensitivity can lead to severe physiological effects even at extremely low current levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Microshock occurs when very small electric currents (in microamperes) pass directly through the heart.
2. Patients with internal medical devices such as pacemakers or catheters are particularly microshock sensitive.
3. The threshold for microshock causing fibrillation in humans is approximately 10 µA.
4. Microshock hazards are critical in hospital settings, especially during invasive procedures.
5. Electrical safety standards in medical environments are designed to minimize the risk of microshock.

Review Questions

• What level of current is typically associated with microshock events?
• Why are patients with pacemakers more susceptible to microshock?
• How do electrical safety standards help prevent microshock incidents?

Related terms

Macroshock: A type of electrical shock where larger currents (milliamperes) pass through the body, potentially causing burns or cardiac arrest.

Electric Current:

$I$, measured in amperes (A), represents the flow of electric charge through a conductor.

Ohm's Law:

$V = IR$, where $V$ is voltage, $I$ is current, and $R$ is resistance; it defines the relationship between these three quantities.