AED Advanced Flashcards

A patient in cardiac arrest is lying in a small puddle of water. What should you do before applying the AED?

Answer: Move the patient to a dry area or wipe the chest dry

Standing water can divert the shock across the skin, so move the patient to a dry surface and dry the chest before placing pads.

The AED advises 'no shock advised' but the patient remains unresponsive and pulseless. What is the next step?

Answer: Immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions

A 'no shock advised' message means continue high-quality CPR and follow the AED's reanalysis prompts.

An AED's battery indicator shows low charge during a routine check. What is the appropriate action?

Answer: Replace the battery and document the maintenance

A low battery must be replaced promptly so the AED is ready for an emergency.

Why should AED pads be placed at least one inch away from an implanted pacemaker?

Answer: To prevent the device from blocking shock delivery to the heart

Placing a pad directly over an implant can reduce shock effectiveness, so offset the pad about an inch.

For a child between 1 and 8 years old, what is the preferred AED configuration?

Answer: Pediatric pads or a pediatric dose attenuator if available

Pediatric pads or an attenuator reduce the energy to a level appropriate for a child.

If pediatric pads are unavailable for a 4-year-old in arrest, what should you do?

Answer: Use adult pads, placing one on the chest and one on the back if needed to avoid overlap

Adult pads may be used on a child when pediatric pads are unavailable, positioned front-and-back to prevent touching.

What should rescuers do at the moment the AED says 'analyzing rhythm'?

Answer: Ensure no one is touching the patient and stop CPR briefly

Contact during analysis can cause artifact and a wrong rhythm interpretation, so everyone must stay clear.