Which type of electrodes should be used if the client has sensitive or allergic skin?

• A. Standard electrodes
• B. Electrodes with metallic coating
• C. Hypoallergenic electrodes
• D. No electrodes; use wires only

Answer: (C)

When a client has sensitive or allergic skin, choose hypoallergenic electrodes. These are designed to minimize skin reactions by using gentler adhesives and materials that are free from common irritants (such as latex or nickel). This helps protect the skin while still providing reliable electrical contact for monitoring.

Standard electrodes may contain adhesives or coatings that can irritate sensitive skin, increasing the risk of dermatitis. Electrodes with metallic coating can trigger metal allergies if the skin comes into contact with the coating materials. Using wires only would remove the necessary skin–electrode interface needed to capture the biosignals.