Question

A newly licensed nurse is observing a cardioversion procedure and hears the team leader call out "Stand clear." This statement indicates which of the following events is occurring?

A. The cardioverter is being charged to the appropriate setting.
B. The team should initiate CPR d/t pulseless electrical activity.
C. Team members cannot be in contact with the equipment connected to the client.
D. A time-out is being called to verify correct protocols.

Answer 1

When a team leader calls out "Stand clear" during a cardioversion procedure, it indicates that the defibrillator is about to deliver a large electric charge and team members must avoid contact with any equipment connected to the patient to prevent accidental injury from the electrical current.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the team leader in a cardioversion procedure calls out "Stand clear," it indicates that event C. Team members cannot be in contact with the equipment connected to the client. This precaution is taken because the defibrillator is delivering a large charge in a short burst to the patient's heart through paddles or electrodes to correct an arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation. This electric shock can terminate the dangerous arrhythmia and allow the body's natural pacemaker to resume a normal sinus rhythm. In a hospital setting, the presence of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can assist, as the device automatically diagnoses the heart condition and applies the correct shock with appropriate energy and waveform. For safety, all personnel must be clear of contact to avoid accidental injury from the electrical current. Cardioversion is a critical procedure in cases such as ventricular fibrillation, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.