If you receive a shock from the chassis of your machine during monitoring, what is the first step you should take?

In the context of intraoperative monitoring, safety is paramount, especially concerning electrical shocks. If you receive a shock from the chassis of the monitoring machine, the first step you should take is to disconnect the patient. This action is crucial because it helps to ensure the patient's safety by removing them from any potential electrical hazard that could be causing the shock.

By disconnecting the patient, you are eliminating the risk of further electrical exposure, which could lead to serious consequences for both the patient and the monitoring staff. Once the patient is secure and no longer connected to the potentially faulty equipment, you can then proceed to investigate and address the issue with the machine, including diagnosing problems and ensuring that the device is safe for use in the operating environment.

Taking this immediate action prioritizes the safety of the patient and minimizes the risk of injury while protocol adjustments or repairs are made afterward.