CPR AED Use 3

Question 1

What does it mean when an AED 'charges' before a shock?

Accepted Answer

The AED is building up electrical energy to deliver a shock

Answer

Charging means the AED is accumulating the electrical energy needed to deliver a defibrillating shock — once charged, it will prompt you to stand clear and press the shock button.

Question 2

Can an AED be used on a victim who is pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes — cardiac arrest in pregnancy is treated the same way, and AED use is not contraindicated

Answer

AED use is not contraindicated in pregnancy; maternal cardiac arrest requires immediate CPR and defibrillation since the best outcome for both mother and fetus depends on restoring the mother's circulation.

Question 3

If two AED pads cannot fit on a small child's chest without overlapping, how should you reposition them?

Accepted Answer

Use an anteroposterior (front-to-back) pad placement

Answer

For small children where anterior pads would overlap, place one pad on the center of the front chest and one on the center of the back (anteroposterior placement).

Question 4

What is the purpose of the CPR performed between AED shocks?

Accepted Answer

To maintain perfusion to vital organs and improve the likelihood that subsequent shocks will restore rhythm

Answer

CPR between shocks replenishes oxygen in the heart muscle and maintains coronary perfusion pressure, making the heart more responsive to subsequent defibrillation attempts.

Question 5

Who can legally use a public-access AED in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Any bystander — Good Samaritan laws provide legal protection for lay rescuers in all 50 states

Answer

All 50 US states have Good Samaritan laws that protect lay rescuers who use AEDs in good faith during an emergency, and public AEDs are designed for use by untrained bystanders.

CPR Practice Test

CPR Practice Test

CPR AED Use 3