A 2-year-old at an outpatient clinic stops breathing and does not have a pulse. CPR is initiated. When the automated external defibrillator (AED) arrives, the nurse notes that it has only adult AED pads. What is the appropriate action at this time?

Question

A 2-year-old at an outpatient clinic stops breathing and does not have a pulse.  CPR is initiated.  When the automated external defibrillator (AED) arrives, the nurse notes that it has only adult AED pads.  What is the appropriate action at this time?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_cb0b_51b0_b433_5765f4fe645c_MD0009_00 An automated external defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as it is available. Pediatric AED pads or a pediatric dose attenuator should be used for children age birth to 8 years if available. Standard adult pads can be used as long as they do not overlap or touch. If adult AED pads are used, one should be placed on the chest and the other on the back ("sandwiching the heart"). (Option A) If an AED is available, it should be placed on the client as soon as possible. Research shows that survival rates increase when CPR and defibrillation occur within 3-5 minutes of arrest. (Option C) Standard placement of adult AED pads on a 2-year-old would cause the pads to touch or overlap. Touching or overlapping of pads allows the shock to move directly from one pad to the other without traveling through the heart. (Option D) Both AED pads are necessary for the defibrillator to work effectively. Educational objective: An automated external defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as it is available. Adult AED pads can be used on a pediatric client if pediatric pads are unavailable. One pad is placed on the chest and the other is placed on the back ("sandwiching the heart").

A 2-Year-Old at an Outpatient Clinic Stops Breathing and Does