A nurse is preparing an in-service presentation about the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale: A. "Position the client on a flat surface." Positioning the client on a flat surface is essential for effective defibrillation. A flat surface ensures the chest is stable, allowing the AED to deliver a shock more effectively and improving the chances of a successful resuscitation. B. "Perform CPR while the AED is analyzing." CPR should be paused while the AED is analyzing to ensure accurate analysis. Performing CPR during analysis can interfere with the AED's ability to correctly assess the heart's rhythm and may delay shock delivery. C. "Set the AED to 80 joules." Most AEDs are preset to deliver appropriate shock levels, usually between 120-200 joules, and should not be manually adjusted unless specified by the device’s instructions. D. "Use an AED for a client who has atrial fibrillation." An AED is used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Atrial fibrillation does not require defibrillation unless it progresses to a more serious arrhythmia.