A client who has undergone an Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) procedure asks the nurse about the purpose of this device. What is the nurse's best response?

A. To detect and treat ventricular tachycardia: An AICD continuously monitors the heart’s rhythm and delivers an electrical shock or antitachycardia pacing when it detects life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Its primary function is to prevent sudden cardiac death by restoring a normal rhythm during these events. B. To detect and treat bradycardia: While some AICDs may have limited pacing capability, their main purpose is not to treat bradycardia. Bradycardia is more appropriately managed with a pacemaker rather than a defibrillating device. C. To shock your heart if you have a heart attack at home: The AICD does not detect myocardial infarction itself. It responds to arrhythmias associated with sudden cardiac arrest, not the ischemic event of a heart attack, and cannot prevent or treat the infarction. D. To monitor for normal sinus rhythm: Although the AICD continuously monitors the heart’s rhythm, its primary purpose is therapeutic intervention for dangerous arrhythmias, not passive rhythm monitoring. Monitoring is secondary to its life-saving function.