The nurse is performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient who is in cardiac arrest. An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available. Which activity will allow the nurse to assess the patient's cardiac rhythm?

Question

1. Apply adhesive patch electrodes to the chest and move away from the patient.
2. Apply standard electrocardiograph monitoring leads to the patient and observe the rhythm.
3. Hold the defibrillator paddles directly against the patient's chest.
4. Connect electrocardiograph electrodes to a telephone monitoring device and wait until the rhythm is analyzed.

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: The nurse applies adhesive patch electrodes to the patient's chest in the usual defibrillator positions, stops CPR, and orders everyone near the patient to move away and not touch the patient. The defibrillator analyzes the rhythm, which may take up to 30 seconds. The machine then indicates if defibrillation is present.
Rationale 2: Standard electrocardiograph monitoring leads are not used with an AED.
Rationale 3: Defibrillator paddles are not used with an AED.
Rationale 4: Telephone monitoring devices are not used with an AED.