A nurse prepares to defibrillate a client who is in ventricular fibrillation. Which priority intervention should the nurse perform prior to defibrillating this client?

A. Make sure the defibrillator is set to the synchronous mode.: Synchronous mode is used for cardioversion, not defibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is a pulseless, chaotic rhythm that requires immediate unsynchronized defibrillation. Using synchronous mode could delay treatment and is inappropriate. B. Administer 1 mg of intravenous epinephrine.: Epinephrine is part of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols, but immediate defibrillation takes priority over medication in ventricular fibrillation. Delaying shock to administer medications reduces the chance of restoring a perfusing rhythm. C. Test the equipment by delivering a smaller shock at 100 joules.: Testing a shock unnecessarily delays life-saving treatment. Defibrillators should be checked regularly, but during an active code, immediate defibrillation with the appropriate dose is required without trial shocks. D. Ensure that everyone is clear of contact with the client and the bed.: Safety is critical before delivering a defibrillating shock. Anyone in contact with the client or conductive surfaces could receive a potentially fatal electric shock. Ensuring the area is clear is an essential, immediate action before delivering the defibrillation.