Question

Once you have turned on the automated external defibrillator (AED), you should:

a. Check for breathing.
b. Give abdominal thrusts.
c. Apply the pads and allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm.
d. Give chest compressions.

Answer 1

Once an AED is turned on, you should c. apply the pads onto the patient's chest and allow the device to analyze the heart rhythm. CPR is often recommended before AED use but should not delay defibrillation if an AED is ready to be used.

Step-by-step explanation:

Once an automated external defibrillator (AED) is turned on, you should c. apply the pads and allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm.

This is a critical step as the AED is designed to diagnose the heart's condition and deliver a shock with the appropriate energy and waveform if necessary.

It is important to note that CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is often recommended before using an AED; in the case that CPR is already in progress and an AED becomes available, the defibrillation should not be delayed.