What function does an AED provide when used on a patient?

What function does an AED provide when used on a patient?

• A. Only Monitors Heart Rhythm
• B. Diagnoses Arrhythmias and Defibrillates
• C. Delivers Oxygen
• D. Records Vital Signs

Answer: (B)

An AED’s job is to rapidly assess the heart’s rhythm and, if it’s a shockable rhythm (like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia), deliver a controlled electric shock to reset the heart’s electrical activity. It’s not just a monitor; it provides therapy by defibrillating when indicated. It does not deliver oxygen and, while some devices may log rhythm data, that isn’t its primary function.

An AED’s job is to rapidly assess the heart’s rhythm and, if it’s a shockable rhythm (like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia), deliver a controlled electric shock to reset the heart’s electrical activity. It’s not just a monitor; it provides therapy by defibrillating when indicated. It does not deliver oxygen and, while some devices may log rhythm data, that isn’t its primary function.