Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

In which scenario is it safe to use an AED on a patient?

1. If the patient is lying on metal

2. If the patient has piercings and the pads are positioned correctly

3. If the patient is pregnant, regardless of precautions

4. If the patient is in a warm environment

The correct answer is: If the patient has piercings and the pads are positioned correctly

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is safe in the scenario where the patient has piercings and the pads are positioned correctly. This is because while piercings can conduct electricity, their presence does not typically hinder the effectiveness of the AED or increase the risk of harm, provided that the pads are placed with sufficient distance from the metal objects and adhere properly to the skin. The critical factor in using an AED is ensuring that the pads maintain proper contact with the patient's skin for effective delivery of the shock. If the pads are placed appropriately, the electricity will primarily travel through the heart, which is the intended target of defibrillation. Therefore, the presence of piercings does not inherently pose a significant risk, as long as the AED is used correctly. In contrast, the other scenarios present more substantial risks. For example, if a patient is lying on metal, it can create a potentially dangerous pathway for electrical current, which could lead to injury rather than effective treatment. In the case of pregnant patients, while it's possible to use an AED, additional precautions should always be taken to avoid risks to the mother and fetus, making it not as straightforward as indicated. Lastly, a warm environment does not provide any additional safety for AED