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?

A. "Perform CPR while the AED is analyzing." is incorrect. During AED analysis, no one should touch the client, including performing CPR, because movement can interfere with the device’s ability to correctly detect the heart rhythm. B. "Position the client on a flat surface." is correct. The client should be lying flat on a firm, dry surface to ensure effective defibrillation and safe pad contact. This positioning maximizes current flow through the heart and improves the likelihood of successful defibrillation. C. "Use an AED for a client who has atrial fibrillation." is incorrect. AEDs are intended for ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), not atrial fibrillation. AFib is typically not shockable because it is not immediately life-threatening in the context of cardiac arrest. D. "Set the AED to 80 joules." is incorrect. Modern AEDs are automatic and select the appropriate energy level. Users do not manually set the joules unless using a manual defibrillator. Providing a fixed energy setting can delay treatment or be inappropriate for the device or client.