When using an AED on a pregnant patient, what statement is true?

Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on a pregnant patient is indeed safe and can be life-saving. The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy do not prevent the AED from effectively delivering an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in the case of cardiac arrest.

In practical terms, the shock from an AED is delivered through the chest and may flow through the heart, which is located in the same anatomical position in a pregnant woman as in a non-pregnant individual. Therefore, delivering a shock with an AED remains a critical step in resuscitation efforts, regardless of the patient’s pregnancy status.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of immediate intervention in a cardiac emergency, which can benefit both the mother and the fetus. The misconception that AEDs are unsafe or ineffective in pregnant patients can discourage prompt action, which is detrimental in a scenario requiring urgent care.