The proper steps for operating AED?

GMCH Nursing Officer-2025

Nursing Foundation

Easy

Appeared in: GMCH Nursing Officer-2025

Explanation

The correct sequence for AED operation is: Power On → Apply Pads → Analyze Rhythm → Deliver Shock.
The selected option (Switch on AED, apply pads, clear the victim, deliver shock) correctly identifies switching the device on as the first step and applying pads as the second.
Switching the AED on first is essential to activate the machine and receive voice prompts that guide the user through the process.
Clearing the victim is a critical safety step performed just before analysis and again before delivering a shock to prevent injury to rescuers.
Although the 'analyze rhythm' step is not explicitly written in this option, it is the implied action that occurs between applying pads and delivering a shock, making this the most correct sequence among the choices.

Option A: The AED cannot analyze the heart's rhythm before the electrode pads are attached to the patient's chest.
Option C: The AED must be switched on first to provide guidance. Furthermore, the rhythm must be analyzed before a shock can be delivered.
Option D: The first and most critical step is to switch on the AED. Applying pads before powering on the device delays the process and bypasses the initial voice prompts.

Visual 1: Flowchart - A simple flowchart illustrating the four universal steps of AED use: 1. Power On, 2. Attach Pads, 3. Analyze Rhythm, 4. Deliver Shock.
Visual 2: Diagram - An illustration showing the correct anterolateral placement of AED pads on an adult's bare chest.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The procedural sequence for the safe and effective operation of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Rapid and correct use of an AED is a cornerstone of the 'Chain of Survival' and can significantly increase survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Nurses must be proficient in AED use and be able to direct lay rescuers in an emergency. The emphasis is on minimizing interruptions to chest compressions ('hands-off time').
What if the AED advises 'No Shock Advised'? The nurse should immediately resume high-quality chest compressions for 2 minutes (or until the AED prompts for another rhythm analysis), as the underlying rhythm is not shockable (e.g., asystole or PEA).

How to Approach the Question

This is a process-based question that tests your knowledge of a standard emergency procedure.
First, identify the absolute initial step in the process. For an AED, this is always turning the power on. This immediately eliminates any options that start with a different action.
Next, consider the logical flow. The device needs to be connected to the patient to work. Therefore, 'apply pads' must come after 'power on'.
Evaluate the safety steps. 'Clearing the victim' is a critical safety action that must be performed before the shock is delivered.
By following this sequence (Power On -> Apply Pads -> Analyze/Clear -> Shock), you can systematically eliminate the incorrect options and identify the best possible answer, even if it's slightly abbreviated.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The procedural sequence for the safe and effective operation of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Stem keywords: proper steps, operating AED
Lead-in keywords: proper
Negative lead-in flag: false

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