A client with a permanent pacemaker has no pulse or spontaneous respirations and the monitor is displaying a ventricular fibrillation rhythm. Resuscitation is in progress and the nurse is preparing to defibrillate the client with 200 joules of unsynchronized defibrillation. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

A. Place self-adhesive defibrillator pads at least 1 inch away from permanent pacemaker site: Proper pad placement away from the pacemaker prevents damage to the device and ensures effective delivery of the defibrillation shock, which is critical during resuscitation. B. Ensure permanent pacemaker interrogated if return of spontaneous circulation is achieved: Interrogating the pacemaker is important after stabilization but is a secondary action, not the immediate priority during an active cardiac arrest requiring defibrillation. C. Obtain 12-lead electrocardiogram to evaluate return of pacemaker's sensing, firing, and capture: A 12-lead ECG is useful to assess pacemaker function after the client stabilizes, but it is not the most urgent need during active resuscitation efforts. D. Apply a doughnut magnet over the pacemaker if pacer-mediated tachycardia develops: Using a magnet is appropriate for pacemaker-related tachyarrhythmias but does not apply in the immediate setting of ventricular fibrillation requiring defibrillation.