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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

AED Quiz: How Well Can You Use a Defibrillator?

Quick defibrillator test to check your AED steps and safety. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Laura KoppensUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style AED defibrillator with pads heart rhythm graphics quiz header on sky blue background

This AED quiz helps you practice the right steps for safe defibrillator use, from pad placement to safety checks and when to deliver a shock. Use it to spot study gaps, then reinforce skills with a cpr practice test and explore rhythm basics with our cardiac rhythm quiz.

What does AED stand for?
Automated External Defibrillator
Advanced Electrical Defibrillator
Analytical External Defibrillator
Automatic Electrode Device
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, a portable device that analyzes heart rhythms and delivers shocks to restore normal rhythm. It is designed for use by lay rescuers and healthcare providers with minimal training. The term automated indicates that the device can self-analyze and advise a shock.
What is the primary purpose of an AED?
To monitor blood pressure
To immobilize the spine
To deliver a controlled electrical shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm
To assist ventilation
An AEDs main function is to deliver a timed electrical shock, called defibrillation, to the heart in order to terminate life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. Restoring organized electrical activity can increase the chance of successful resuscitation. It does not perform other medical tasks like ventilation or spinal immobilization.
Where should defibrillator pads be placed on an adult?
Both pads on the left side of the chest
One pad on the abdomen and one on the back
One pad on the forehead and one on the chest
One pad on the right upper chest and the other on the left side of the ribcage
Proper pad placement is one pad below the right collarbone on the upper chest and the second pad on the left side of the ribcage, a bit below the armpit. This placement allows the electrical current to pass through the heart effectively. Incorrect pad placement can reduce defibrillation success.
What should you do first before delivering a shock with an AED?
Begin chest compressions for two minutes
Administer aspirin
Turn on the AED and follow its voice prompts
Check the patients blood pressure
The first step when using an AED is to power it on and follow the audio and visual prompts. The device will then guide you through pad placement, rhythm analysis, and whether a shock is advised. Immediate chest compressions or medication should only follow device instructions.
Which of the following heart rhythms is shockable by an AED?
Pulseless electrical activity
Asystole
Ventricular fibrillation
Sinus bradycardia
AEDs are designed to deliver shocks for shockable rhythms, primarily ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Asystole and pulseless electrical activity are non-shockable and require immediate CPR and advanced life support.
After the AED advises No shock advised, what should you do next?
Check the patients pulse only
Deliver a manual defibrillation shock
Immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions
Remove the pads and wait two minutes
When an AED indicates no shock is advised, it means the heart rhythm is non-shockable and the patient still needs CPR. You should immediately resume chest compressions starting with compressions followed by ventilations. Do not remove pads until professionals arrive or a shock is advised.
How long should you minimize interruptions in chest compressions when using an AED?
Less than 20 seconds
Less than 5 seconds
Less than 10 seconds
Less than 30 seconds
Guidelines recommend minimizing any interruptions in chest compressions to under 10 seconds when analyzing rhythm or delivering a shock. This helps maintain coronary perfusion pressure and improves survival odds. Longer pauses can worsen patient outcomes.
During adult CPR with AED use, what is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio?
15:2
30:2
10:1
40:2
The current adult CPR guideline with an AED calls for a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio. This means 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Consistency in compressions maintains circulation during resuscitation.
What is the recommended initial energy level for the first shock when using a biphasic AED on an adult?
50 joules
120 to 200 joules
500 joules
360 joules
Most biphasic AEDs deliver an initial shock in the range of 120 to 200 joules, depending on the manufacturer. This energy level balances efficacy and safety by terminating arrhythmias while minimizing myocardial injury. Monophasic devices typically use higher energy.
If a patient has a pacemaker implanted under the skin where a pad should be placed, what should you do?
Remove the implant before applying the pad
Place the pad directly over the implant
Place the pad at least 1 inch away from the implant
Avoid using AED on this patient
Pads should never be positioned directly over an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator since this can block current flow through the heart. A safe cushion margin of at least 1 inch ensures effective defibrillation. The implant does not preclude AED use.
If the patient's chest is very hairy and pads are not adhering, what is the recommended action?
Shave or trim the hair at pad sites before application
Soak the chest hair to improve adhesion
Place pads over the hair without removing it
Cancel the shock and continue only CPR
Excess chest hair can prevent pads from adhering properly and reduce conductivity. Shaving or trimming the hair ensures full contact between the pad gel and skin. Quick removal with a razor or scissors provided in AED kits is advised.
How often should you check the expiration date on AED pads and replace them if expired?
Every five minutes during use
Only when the AED indicates pads are expired
Monthly during AED maintenance checks
Never, pads do not expire
AED pads have an adhesive gel and conductive layer that degrade over time. Checking expiration monthly as part of routine maintenance ensures readiness. Using expired pads can lead to poor adhesion and ineffective shocks.
Why is it important to ensure the patients chest is dry before pad application?
Moisture can impede electrical conduction and create arcing risk
It makes CPR more difficult
Pads will stick better on wet skin
Wet skin increases shock strength too much
Moisture on the skin can create an alternate conduction pathway and may cause current to arc around the pads rather than through the heart. Dry skin ensures that electrical energy passes through the myocardium effectively. Always wipe the chest dry before pad placement.
How often should an AED perform a self-test according to most manufacturers?
Daily or weekly, per manufacturer guidelines
Once every year
Never; it requires manual checks only
Only after a shock is delivered
Most AEDs conduct automated self-tests daily or weekly to ensure internal batteries, circuitry, and pad connections are functional. These tests alert users through status indicators if maintenance or service is needed. Relying solely on annual checks risks device failure.
For a child aged 1 to 8 years in cardiac arrest, which pads should be used if available?
Pediatric attenuator pads designed for children
Adult pads placed on the back only
No pads; proceed with CPR only
Adult pads with no changes
Pediatric attenuator pads deliver a reduced energy shock appropriate for children aged 18. If pediatric pads are unavailable, adult pads may be used, but energy delivery may be higher than ideal. Proper pad selection improves safety.
Which of the following can interfere with proper rhythm analysis by an AED?
Using pediatric pads on an adult
Placing one pad on the left arm
Ongoing chest compressions causing artifact
Delivering shock at 150 joules
Chest compression artifacts can mimic electrical activity and confuse the AEDs analyzer. The device pauses to analyze rhythm only when rescuer hands are off the patient, which is why the voice prompt instructs do not touch. Proper pauses ensure accurate rhythm detection.
What is the primary advantage of a biphasic waveform compared to a monophasic waveform in defibrillation?
Effective defibrillation at lower energy levels
Only works on pediatric patients
Delivers a single, longer pulse
Requires no energy monitoring
Biphasic waveforms reverse current flow part way through the shock, which makes them more effective at terminating arrhythmias at lower energy levels. This reduces myocardial injury and enhances post-shock function compared to higher-energy monophasic shocks.
Why should you avoid delivering a shock when the patient is in contact with a metal surface?
Metal can conduct electricity away, reducing shock efficacy and risking rescuer injury
Metal surfaces boost shock strength dangerously
It causes batteries to drain faster
AEDs disable on metal contact
Metal surfaces can shunt electrical current away from the chest, decreasing the energy reaching the heart and posing risk of arcing. This can reduce defibrillation efficacy and potentially harm rescuers touching the metal. Always remove contact with conductive surfaces.
What is the optimal time window from cardiac arrest to defibrillation for the highest chance of survival?
Within 10 to 12 minutes
Within 3 to 5 minutes
Anytime within the first hour
Within 15 minutes
Survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest drop by about 710% for each minute defibrillation is delayed. Delivering a shock within 35 minutes offers the best chance of restoring a viable rhythm. Rapid access to an AED is critical.
How should you modify AED use for a pregnant patient in cardiac arrest?
Avoid AED use until fetal heart rate is assessed
Use the AED normally while manually displacing the uterus to the left
Delay shocks until hospital arrival
Place pads asymmetrically to protect the fetus
AED use in pregnant patients follows the same protocol as in non-pregnant adults, since maternal survival is paramount. Manual left uterine displacement reduces aortocaval compression. Delaying or modifying energy delivery is not recommended.
After delivering a shock, when should you resume CPR?
Only if the AED advises so
Immediately, starting with chest compressions
After two minutes pass
After checking for a pulse for 10 seconds
High-quality CPR should resume immediately after a shock to maintain circulation until a spontaneous rhythm occurs. Pausing to check a pulse first can create prolonged interruptions, reducing perfusion. Continue for two minutes or until the device reanalyzes.
If AED electrodes fail to adhere due to excessive sweating, what should you do?
Continue without pads
Apply pads over the clothes
Use only one pad
Dry the chest and reapply pads
Excessive sweat can prevent electrode gel adhesion and disrupt conduction. Wiping the chest dry allows firm pad placement for effective shock delivery. Never apply over clothing or use fewer pads.
What should you do if a patient is wearing a nitroglycerin patch at the pad placement site?
Place the pad directly over the patch
Only use one pad on the opposite side
Remove the patch and wipe the area before placing pads
Continue without removing the patch
Medication patches can block contact and interfere with current flow. Always remove nitroglycerin or other transdermal patches before pad application, then clean and dry the skin. This ensures effective shock delivery and avoids chemical burns.
You are using an AED on a patient lying in a shallow pool of water and after pad placement the device advises Shock advised. What is your next best action?
Pause and wait for professional responders without shocking
Remove the patient from the water, dry the chest, and ensure rescuers are clear before shocking
Proceed with the shock immediately
Move the AED away from the patient before shocking
Water is a conductor and can divert current, endangering both patient and rescuers. Always remove the patient from standing water, thoroughly dry the chest and surrounding area, and confirm no one touches the patient before delivering a shock. This mitigates the risk of electrical arcing.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze AED Components -

    Identify and explain the key parts of an AED, including electrodes, control panel, and power source, as covered in this automated external defibrillator quiz.

  2. Apply Safety Protocols -

    Demonstrate awareness of defibrillator safety procedures by outlining precautions to protect the patient, bystanders, and yourself during device operation.

  3. Demonstrate Proper Pad Placement -

    Place AED pads accurately on a patient's chest, ensuring effective delivery of electrical therapy as practiced in our aed training quiz scenarios.

  4. Interpret AED Prompts -

    Understand and respond to audiovisual and text prompts from the AED, making informed decisions in time-sensitive, emergency-response situations.

  5. Integrate CPR with AED Use -

    Coordinate chest compressions and rescue breaths efficiently while preparing and administering defibrillation, a key skill assessed in the cpr and aed quiz section.

  6. Evaluate Device Maintenance Best Practices -

    Assess routine checks, battery status, pad expiration, and software updates to ensure AED readiness and longevity.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Scene Safety & Initial Assessment -

    Always ensure the environment is safe before turning on the AED, scanning for hazards like water or electrical wires. Check for responsiveness and shout for help, then call emergency services or direct someone to do so - this follows American Heart Association (AHA) scene assessment protocols. Remember the "SAFE" mnemonic: Scene, Assess, First aid, EMS.

  2. Proper Pad Placement & Skin Preparation -

    Place pads on a bare, dry chest: one on the right upper chest below the collarbone and the other on the left mid-axillary line. Remove excessive chest hair with the included razor and wipe off moisture to ensure low impedance, as per Red Cross training guides. Clean pad contacts by pressing firmly until the adhesive seals to the skin, optimizing conductivity.

  3. Device Operation & Rhythm Analysis -

    Power on the AED and follow voice prompts - do not touch the patient during analysis. The device uses built-in ECG algorithms (e.g., AHA-approved) to detect shockable rhythms like ventricular fibrillation. Always clear the patient and loudly announce "Everyone clear!" before shocking.

  4. CPR Integration & Shock Timing -

    Minimize hands-off intervals by performing 30 chest compressions at 100 - 120/min followed by two breaths, as recommended by the AHA. Resume CPR immediately after shock delivery or if no shock is advised, maintaining high-quality compressions. A useful tip is the "2-breath, 30-compressions" cycle to keep timing consistent under stress.

  5. Maintenance & Battery Checks -

    Perform monthly self-tests to verify battery life and pad integrity, replacing components before expiration dates. Keep a maintenance log - many AEDs record each self-test and usage event for audit compliance with OSHA and regulatory bodies. Check that spare batteries and pads are stored with the device at all times.

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