A client has a prescription for a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit for pain management during the postoperative period following a lumbar laminectomy. Which information should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce about the action of this adjuvant pain modality?

Pain perception in the cerebral cortex is dulled by the unit's discharge of an electrical stimulus.

An infusion of medication in the spinal canal will block pain perception.

A mild electrical stimulus on the skin surface closes the gates of nerve conduction for severe pain.

The discharge of electricity will distract the client's focus on the pain.