BLS Pretest Chapter 3 Use of Automated External Defibrillator

Last Updated on June 13, 2024

BLS Pretest Chapter 3: Use of Automated External Defibrillator. Chapter 3 contains 25 MCQs with answers and explanations on the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), AED steps, and self-assessment for AEDs.

This chapter helps reinforce the proper procedures and understanding of using an AED in an emergency situation. This Basic Life Support (BLS) Chapter 3  Practice test is based on the later American Heart Association (AHA) guideline.

BLS Pretest Chapter 3

Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

What is the first step when using an AED on an unresponsive adult?

  • (A) Open the AED case
  • (B) Attach electrode pads
  • (C) Turn on the AED
  • (D) Dry the chest if wet

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: The first step is to open the AED case, which allows you to access the device and the necessary components.

Where should the AED pads be placed on an adult?

  • (A) One pad on the upper left chest and one on the lower right chest
  • (B) Both pads on the upper chest
  • (C) One pad on the upper right chest and one on the lower left chest
  • (D) Both pads on the lower chest

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: The correct placement for AED pads on an adult is one on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left chest, below the armpit.

What should you do if the AED prompts “Check Electrodes”?

  • (A) Turn off the AED
  • (B) Ensure the electrodes make good contact with the skin
  • (C) Replace the electrodes
  • (D) Move the pads to a different location

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: If the AED prompts “Check Electrodes,” ensure that the electrodes make good contact with the skin, removing any hair or moisture that might interfere.

AED Steps

What is the correct sequence of steps when using an AED?

  • (A) Turn on the AED, attach electrode pads, analyze rhythm, deliver shock
  • (B) Attach electrode pads, turn on the AED, analyze rhythm, deliver shock
  • (C) Turn on the AED, analyze rhythm, attach electrode pads, deliver shock
  • (D) Analyze rhythm, turn on the AED, attach electrode pads, deliver shock

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: The correct sequence is to turn on the AED, attach the electrode pads, let the AED analyze the rhythm, and then deliver a shock if advised.

When should you resume CPR after using an AED?

  • (A) Immediately after the shock is delivered
  • (B) After 1 minute
  • (C) After 2 minutes
  • (D) After checking for a pulse

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: You should resume CPR immediately after the shock is delivered to maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs.

How should you position the AED pads if the person has a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator?

  • (A) Directly over the device
  • (B) Adjacent to the device, avoiding direct contact
  • (C) One pad on the device, one away
  • (D) Anywhere on the chest

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: AED pads should be placed adjacent to a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator, avoiding direct contact with the device to ensure effective shock delivery.

Self-Assessment for AED

What does AED stand for?

  • (A) Automatic Energy Delivery
  • (B) Automated External Device
  • (C) Automated External Defibrillator
  • (D) Autonomous Energy Defibrillator

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, a device used to deliver a shock to the heart in cases of cardiac arrest.

When should the AED be applied during an adult cardiac arrest?

  • (A) As soon as it is available
  • (B) After 5 minutes of CPR
  • (C) After giving 2 rescue breaths
  • (D) Only if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: The AED should be applied as soon as it is available to increase the chances of survival.

What should you do if the AED advises “Shock”?

  • (A) Clear the person and deliver the shock
  • (B) Deliver two additional minutes of CPR before delivering the shock
  • (C) Ventilate while shock is delivered
  • (D) Assume error and do not deliver shock

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: When the AED advises a shock, ensure that no one is touching the person and then deliver the shock as instructed.

What is the next step after delivering a shock with an AED?

  • (A) Reassess for a pulse
  • (B) Do chest compressions only
  • (C) Resume CPR starting with chest compressions
  • (D) Do ventilation only

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: After delivering a shock, resume CPR starting with chest compressions to maintain blood flow.

What is the purpose of letting the AED analyze the rhythm?

  • (A) To check the battery life
  • (B) To determine if a shock is needed
  • (C) To reset the device
  • (D) To measure the heart rate

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: The AED analyzes the heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed to correct a life-threatening arrhythmia.

Additional MCQs for AED

What should you do if the AED indicates “No Shock Advised”?

  • (A) Continue to monitor the victim
  • (B) Restart the AED
  • (C) Resume CPR immediately
  • (D) Check for a pulse

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: If the AED indicates “No Shock Advised,” resume CPR immediately to continue supporting the victim’s circulation and breathing.

How often should you pause CPR to let the AED reanalyze the heart rhythm?

  • (A) Every 30 seconds
  • (B) Every minute
  • (C) Every 2 minutes
  • (D) Every 5 minutes

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: You should pause CPR every 2 minutes to let the AED reanalyze the heart rhythm and determine if another shock is needed.

What should you do before pressing the shock button on the AED?

  • (A) Ensure the person is still
  • (B) Check the battery level
  • (C) Ensure no one is touching the person
  • (D) Turn off the AED

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: Before pressing the shock button, ensure that no one is touching the person to prevent injury to bystanders.

What should be done if the AED pads do not adhere properly due to chest hair?

  • (A) Shave the area where the pads will be placed
  • (B) Move the pads to a different location
  • (C) Press harder on the pads
  • (D) Use more pads

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: Shaving the area where the pads will be placed can help ensure proper adhesion and effective delivery of the shock.

Why is it important to dry the chest before placing AED pads?

  • (A) To improve electrical conductivity
  • (B) To prevent the pads from slipping
  • (C) To ensure the AED can analyze the rhythm
  • (D) All of the above

View Answer
Answer: (D) Explanation: Drying the chest helps improve electrical conductivity, prevent the pads from slipping, and ensure the AED can accurately analyze the heart rhythm.

What action should be taken if the AED does not power on?

  • (A) Check the battery and replace it if necessary
  • (B) Use another AED if available
  • (C) Continue CPR without the AED
  • (D) All of the above

View Answer
Answer: (D) Explanation: If the AED does not power on, check the battery, use another AED if available, and continue CPR without the AED until help arrives.

What is the purpose of the AED analyzing the rhythm?

  • (A) To determine if a shock is needed
  • (B) To measure heart rate
  • (C) To check battery life
  • (D) To reset the device

View Answer
Answer: (A) Explanation: The purpose of the AED analyzing the rhythm is to determine if a shock is needed to restore a normal heart rhythm.

How should you proceed if the AED delivers a shock and the person remains unresponsive?

  • (A) Deliver another shock immediately
  • (B) Wait 5 minutes and recheck
  • (C) Resume CPR immediately
  • (D) Check for a pulse

View Answer
Answer: (C) Explanation: After the AED delivers a shock, resume CPR immediately to maintain circulation until further help arrives.

What is the minimum time to check for responsiveness before applying the AED?

  • (A) 5 seconds
  • (B) 10 seconds
  • (C) 15 seconds
  • (D) 20 seconds

View Answer
Answer: (B) Explanation: You should check for responsiveness for at least 10 seconds before applying the AED to ensure the person is truly unresponsive and needs defibrillation.

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