The nurse comes upon a client in the clinic who appears to have experienced a sudden cardiac arrest. After retrieving the automated external defibrillator (AED), the nurse knows to use the equipment in the following manner, as per the American Red Cross. List the steps in order. Use all the steps.

  1. Make sure no one is touching the client. Tell everyone to “stand clear.”
  2. Open the person’s shirt and wipe the chest dry. Remove any visible patches.
  3. Attach the AED pads and plug in the connector.
  4. Push the “analyze” button to analyze the client’s heart rhythm.
  5. Turn on AED. Follow visual and/or audio prompts.
  6. Begin CPR.
  7. As prompted, press the “shock” button after clearing the client.
Answer: The correct order follows: 5. Turn on AED. Follow visual and/or audio prompts. 2. Open the person’s shirt and wipe the chest dry. Remove any visible patches. 3. Attach the AED pads and plug in the connector. 1. Make sure no one is touching the client. Tell everyone to “stand clear.” 4. Push the “analyze” button to analyze the client’s heart rhythm. 7. As prompted, press the “shock” button after clearing the client. 6. Begin CPR.