How should AED pads be placed on an adult patient?

When using an AED, proper placement of the pads is crucial for effective defibrillation. In an adult patient, the recommended placement involves one pad positioned on the right upper chest and the other on the left lower chest. This configuration allows for optimal electrical flow through the heart, ensuring that the shock delivered by the AED can effectively interrupt dangerous heart rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Placing one pad on the right upper chest and the other on the left lower chest creates a pathway through the heart and maximizes the chances of restoring a normal rhythm. This placement is standard and is intended to follow the anatomical layout of the heart within the thoracic cavity, facilitating the most efficient delivery of energy.

Other configurations, such as placing both pads on the left side of the chest or on the front of the torso, do not provide the same level of effectiveness and could hinder the defibrillation process. Similarly, placing one pad on the lower right abdomen is not appropriate, as it does not allow for the necessary electrical current to flow through the heart properly.

In summary, the correct positioning of the AED pads as stated ensures that the device can perform its critical role during a cardiac emergency effectively.