FISDAP Cardiology Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

Placing the AED pads on the left chest and the right side is the correct technique as it allows for optimal current flow through the heart. This position creates a pathway for the electrical shock to reach the heart effectively, which is crucial in defibrillation. Proper pad placement increases the chances of converting a dangerous heart rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation, back to a normal rhythm.

The guidelines recommend this placement for adult patients to maximize the effectiveness of the shock delivered by the AED. The pads should be positioned to avoid interference with any medical devices, such as pacemakers, and to ensure that they are placed firmly on the skin for good conductivity.

Other placements, such as one pad on the abdomen or one pad on the back, do not provide the same efficacy in delivering a shock to the heart, making them less effective and potentially dangerous in a cardiac emergency situation. Always adhering to the established guidelines for pad placement is critical for the success of resuscitation efforts.