Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

Which situation is appropriate for using an AED on a patient with an implanted device?

1. AED pads can be placed directly over the device

2. The device should be removed before use

3. AED pads must not be placed directly over the device

4. Only use AED if the device is malfunctioning

The correct answer is: AED pads must not be placed directly over the device

Using an AED on a patient with an implanted device such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) requires careful consideration to ensure both the effectiveness of the defibrillation and the safety of the patient. It is essential that the AED pads are not placed directly over the implanted device because this can impede the delivery of the shock to the heart and may also cause damage to the device itself. When using the AED, the pads should be placed at least a few inches away from the implanted device to ensure the electrical discharge can effectively reach the heart muscle and is not obstructed. Placing the pads correctly helps maximize the chance of a successful shock while minimizing the risk of causing harm to the patient or the implanted device. This approach ensures compliance with safety protocols in emergency care when dealing with patients with implanted devices.