Question

When adhesive gel pads are placed in the standard anterolateral position, the anterior pad should be placed

A) Directly over the heart
B) To the right of the sternum below the clavicle
C) On the right chest, lateral to and below the nipple
D) Directly over the sternum
E) On the anterior abdomen

Answer 1

The anterior adhesive gel pad for defibrillation should be placed to the right of the sternum below the clavicle, considering the heart's central position in the thoracic cavity with a slight leftward tilt.

Step-by-step explanation:

When placing adhesive gel pads for defibrillation in the standard anterolateral position, it is crucial to understand the anatomy and location of the heart within the thoracic cavity. The anterior pad should be placed to the right of the sternum below the clavicle, which corresponds with the positioning in the thoracic cavity where the heart is located between the lungs and atop the diaphragm. This placement allows the electrical current to pass through the heart muscle effectively during defibrillation. Remember, the heart is not directly over the left side of the chest, but centered and slightly tilted to the left within the thoracic cavity, underneath the sternum.