Which of the following is true of electrosurgical equipment used in the operating room?

A grounding pad is indeed not necessary when using a bipolar electrosurgical unit because of the way this type of equipment operates. Bipolar electrosurgery works by delivering electrical current between two electrodes that are both incorporated into the instrument itself. This localized delivery means that the current does not pass through the patient's body to a grounding pad, making it safe to use without one.

In contrast, monopolar electrosurgical units do require a grounding pad since they work by passing current from a single active electrode through the patient's tissue to a return electrode (the grounding pad). This distinguishing feature of bipolar units is critical to understanding their safety and operational protocols in the operating room.

The other choices reflect misunderstandings about electrosurgery. In particular, the assertion that electrosurgical equipment eliminates the need for smoke evacuation is incorrect because thermal tissue destruction can produce smoke that poses inhalation risks. The claim that only monopolar units are used for deep tissue procedures is also misleading since bipolar devices can be employed effectively in various surgical contexts, including deeper tissue work in minimally invasive settings. Finally, stating that electrosurgical units cannot cause burns is misleading; while proper technique minimizes risks, there is always a potential for unintended burns if safety protocols are not followed correctly.