Written Lifeguarding Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

When preparing to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) on a victim with a medication patch on their chest, the appropriate action is to remove the patch with a gloved hand. This is crucial because medication patches can contain substances that may interfere with the effectiveness of the AED or pose a risk of burns to the victim when electrical shock is delivered. By removing the patch, you eliminate any potential hazards associated with the medication and ensure that the pads can adhere properly to the skin without any obstruction, maximizing the chances of successful defibrillation.

Additionally, properly addressing the presence of a patch is critical for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the defibrillation process. While other options may seem less invasive or easier, they do not adequately address the risks posed by the patch. For instance, placing one of the AED pads over the patch could lead to complications, and placing the pads in different positions could also decrease the likelihood of effective shock delivery. Wiping the chest dry while avoiding the patch does not solve the problem of potential interference from the patch itself. Thus, removing the patch safely is the most responsible and effective action in this situation.