To prevent injury to the patient and to the team during a surgical procedure when the ESU unit is in use, where should the tip of the ESU always be placed?

The tip of the Electro-Surgical Unit (ESU) should always be placed back in the holder when it is not in use to ensure safety for both the patient and the surgical team. This practice minimizes the risk of accidental burns or electrical injuries, as the ESU tip can reach extremely high temperatures when activated. By placing the ESU back in its holder, it is secure and prevents contact with any surgical drapes or the patient’s skin, significantly reducing the likelihood of unintended injury.

Putting the ESU on a sterile towel or a non-metal tray, while seemingly safe, does not offer the same level of security and control as placing it back in the designated holder. The holder is specifically designed to safely contain the active tip when not in use. Additionally, having the tip in the surgeon's hand is unsafe as it could lead to accidental activation or injury to the surgical team or the patient. Hence, using the holder is the best practice for maintaining a safe surgical environment.