A nurse is administering a shock from an automated external defibrillator to a client with cardiac arrest. Which of the following is the most important action that the nurse should perform immediately prior to administering the shock?

Question

A) Give five rescue breaths.
B) Say, "Everybody clear."
C) Place both hands correctly on the client's chest.
D) Ensure that emergency medications are accessible.

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
The nurse says "Everybody clear" in order to prevent accidental shock to members of the team and then administers shock to the client when the automated external defibrillator (AED) indicates "shock." Nurses check the correct placement of hands when performing chest compressions but would risk electrical shock by doing so during defibrillation. They administer emergency medications to the client when providing early advanced life support. Nurses do not perform rescue breathing on a client when defibrillating.