A patient who has a history of sudden cardiac death has an ICD inserted. When performing discharge teaching with the patient, it is important for the nurse to instruct the patient and family that

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If the ICD fires and the patient continues to have symptoms of cardiac arrest, activation of the emergency response system is indicated. The patient is likely to continue on medications to control dysrhythmias. If the patient experiences cardiac arrest, CPR should be performed. ICDs do trigger airport security alarms, and the patient will need to notify airport personnel about the presence of the device.

A Patient Who Has a History of Sudden Cardiac Death