College

Why must a rescuer clear the victim prior to pushing the shock button on an AED?

A. To ensure the victim is not experiencing any muscle spasms
B. To avoid interference with the electrical shock
C. To assess the victim's level of consciousness
D. To administer CPR before using the AED

Answer :

Final answer:

When using an AED, it is important to clear the victim before delivering a shock to avoid interference with the electrical shock. Therefore, the correct answer is b) To avoid interference with the electrical shock.

Explanation:

If the rescuer is touching the victim when the shock is delivered, they may also receive the shock, which can be dangerous. By clearing the victim, the rescuer ensures that there is no contact between them and the victim, reducing the risk of injury.

For example, if the victim is lying on a wet surface or in contact with another person, the rescuer must ensure that both the victim and themselves are clear of these potential conductive pathways before administering the shock. This helps to ensure that the electrical shock is delivered effectively to the victim's body, increasing the chances of successfully restoring their heart rhythm.