At approximately 25 milliamps of current, which sensation occurs?

• A. No sensation
• B. Painful shock
• C. Violent muscular contractions
• D. Ventricular fibrillation

Answer: (C)

When current passes through the body, the effect you feel grows with the current level. Around tens of milliamps, the muscles can be driven into strong, uncontrolled contractions. At roughly 25 mA, the dominant sensation is violent muscular contractions—your muscles seize up forcefully and you may have trouble letting go. This is far more than a mild tingling or a simple shock, but it’s still below the levels that typically cause ventricular fibrillation, which occur at higher currents and with sufficient exposure. So the best description for 25 milliamps is the experience of intense, involuntary muscle contractions.