Which statement regarding the AED and defibrillation is correct?

Which statement regarding the AED and defibrillation is correct?

• A. The AED may not correctly analyze the rhythm of a moving patient.
• B. AEDs always analyze rhythms accurately, even if the patient is moving.
• C. AEDs should be used only on patients with a clear pulse.
• D. Defibrillation is effective on any rhythm regardless of patient motion.

Answer: (A)

Motion can distort the ECG signal the AED uses to decide whether a shock is needed, so a moving patient may have an inaccurate rhythm analysis. Because the device bases its shock decision on that analysis, movement can lead to missed shocks or inappropriate shocks. In practice, ensure the patient is still during rhythm analysis, pause CPR if needed, and make sure no one is touching the patient before charging and delivering a shock. AEDs are intended for unresponsive patients without a pulse, not for those who have a clear pulse. Defibrillation works only for certain shockable rhythms (like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) and requires correct conditions; moving or analyzing non-shockable rhythms reduces effectiveness.

Motion can distort the ECG signal the AED uses to decide whether a shock is needed, so a moving patient may have an inaccurate rhythm analysis. Because the device bases its shock decision on that analysis, movement can lead to missed shocks or inappropriate shocks. In practice, ensure the patient is still during rhythm analysis, pause CPR if needed, and make sure no one is touching the patient before charging and delivering a shock. AEDs are intended for unresponsive patients without a pulse, not for those who have a clear pulse. Defibrillation works only for certain shockable rhythms (like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) and requires correct conditions; moving or analyzing non-shockable rhythms reduces effectiveness.