During external defibrillation for a patient with an implanted ICD, where should defibrillator pads be placed?

During external defibrillation for a patient with an implanted ICD, where should defibrillator pads be placed?

• A. Directly over the ICD.
• B. Away from the ICD to avoid device interference.
• C. Only on the opposite side of the chest from the ICD.
• D. On the patient's back.

Answer: (B)

Placing defibrillator pads away from the implanted ICD is essential to prevent interference or damage to the device. The shock energy can be sensed or conducted by the ICD, which may trigger inappropriate shocks or harm the device itself if a pad is placed directly over it. By keeping the pads away from the device, you minimize the risk of device interference while still delivering an effective defibrillation current through the chest. Use standard pad placement as possible, but avoid placing any pad directly over the ICD.

Placing defibrillator pads away from the implanted ICD is essential to prevent interference or damage to the device. The shock energy can be sensed or conducted by the ICD, which may trigger inappropriate shocks or harm the device itself if a pad is placed directly over it. By keeping the pads away from the device, you minimize the risk of device interference while still delivering an effective defibrillation current through the chest. Use standard pad placement as possible, but avoid placing any pad directly over the ICD.