BLS Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A victim is found in a pool of water. What should you do before using an AED?
- Deliver the shock while the victim remains in water
- Move the victim to a dry surface and dry the chest (Correct answer)
- Use the AED immediately since electricity is safe in water
- Skip the AED and only perform CPR
Correct answer: Move the victim to a dry surface and dry the chest
The victim must be moved to a dry surface and the chest dried before AED pads are applied to prevent shock conduction through water.
Question 2: An AED analyzes the heart rhythm and advises 'No shock recommended.' What is the correct next action?
- Repeat the analysis immediately
- Deliver a manual shock anyway
- Resume CPR immediately, starting with chest compressions (Correct answer)
- Check for a pulse and wait
Correct answer: Resume CPR immediately, starting with chest compressions
If no shock is advised, resume CPR immediately beginning with chest compressions, as the rhythm may be non-shockable (e.g., PEA or asystole).
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the purpose of the AED's rhythm analysis phase?
- To count the victim's respiratory rate
- To determine if a shockable rhythm such as VF or pulseless VT is present (Correct answer)
- To measure blood pressure
- To assess the victim's level of consciousness
Correct answer: To determine if a shockable rhythm such as VF or pulseless VT is present
The AED analyzes the cardiac rhythm to detect shockable rhythms like ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT).
Question 4: You are using an AED on an adult victim and notice significant chest hair. What should you do?
- Apply pads over the hair and proceed
- Shave the chest if a razor is available, or press pads firmly and remove quickly to clear hair, then reapply (Correct answer)
- Abandon the AED and only perform CPR
- Use pediatric pads instead
Correct answer: Shave the chest if a razor is available, or press pads firmly and remove quickly to clear hair, then reapply
Excess chest hair can prevent good pad contact; quickly shaving or using a pad to strip hair improves electrode adhesion for accurate analysis and effective shock delivery.
Question 5: After delivering a shock with the AED, what is the immediate next step?
- Check for a pulse for at least 30 seconds
- Resume CPR beginning with chest compressions (Correct answer)
- Wait for the AED to reanalyze before doing anything
- Remove the AED pads
Correct answer: Resume CPR beginning with chest compressions
Immediately after a shock, resume CPR starting with chest compressions without pausing to check for a pulse.
Question 6: A victim has a nitroglycerin patch on their chest. What should the rescuer do before placing AED pads?
- Place the AED pad directly over the patch
- Remove the patch and wipe the area clean before applying pads (Correct answer)
- Apply the AED to the back only
- Skip AED use and call for advanced help
Correct answer: Remove the patch and wipe the area clean before applying pads
Medication patches should be removed and the skin wiped clean before AED pad placement to prevent interference with pad adhesion and to avoid burns.
Question 7: In a two-rescuer BLS scenario, while one rescuer operates the AED, what should the second rescuer do?
- Stand back and observe
- Perform continuous chest compressions until the AED is ready to analyze (Correct answer)
- Call 911 again
- Check the victim's blood pressure
Correct answer: Perform continuous chest compressions until the AED is ready to analyze
The second rescuer continues chest compressions while the first sets up the AED, minimizing interruptions to circulation.
BLS Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use 2
A victim is found in a pool of water.
What should you do before using an AED?