010-111 · Question #128
In which of the following scenarios should an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) be used?
The correct answer is D. Unconscious client without a pulse. An AED is indicated only when a victim is in cardiac arrest, which is defined as unconsciousness without a pulse, indicating a shockable cardiac rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation.
Question
In which of the following scenarios should an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) be used?
Options
- AConscious or unconscious client with shortness of breath
- BUnconscious client with a pulse
- CConscious client with chest pain
- DUnconscious client without a pulse
How the community answered
(61 responses)- A3% (2)
- B18% (11)
- C8% (5)
- D70% (43)
Why each option
An AED is indicated only when a victim is in cardiac arrest, which is defined as unconsciousness without a pulse, indicating a shockable cardiac rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation.
Shortness of breath with or without consciousness is a respiratory complaint, not a cardiac arrest indication - AED use requires confirmed pulselessness.
A client who is unconscious but has a pulse is not in cardiac arrest; applying an AED shock to a beating heart is dangerous and not indicated.
A conscious client, regardless of symptoms, has a functioning heartbeat by definition - AED use is never appropriate in a conscious person.
An unconscious client without a pulse indicates cardiac arrest, the only scenario where defibrillation is appropriate. The AED delivers an electrical shock to attempt to restore normal sinus rhythm when the heart is in a shockable rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Concept tested: AED indications for cardiac arrest - pulseless victim
Source: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/aed-steps
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