AEMCA Practice Exam

Which condition should NOT be associated with the application of defibrillation pads?

1. A confirmed STEMI

2. Unconscious patient

3. Stable vital signs

4. Cardiac arrest

The correct answer is: Stable vital signs

The condition that should not be associated with the application of defibrillation pads is the presence of stable vital signs. Defibrillation is typically indicated in situations where the heart is not effectively pumping blood, such as in cases of ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT). If a patient has stable vital signs, it generally indicates that the heart is functioning well and maintaining adequate blood circulation. Thus, applying defibrillation pads would not be necessary or appropriate in this scenario. In contrast, a confirmed STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction), an unconscious state, and cardiac arrest are conditions that may indeed warrant the use of defibrillation. In the case of a confirmed STEMI, while immediate defibrillation may not be the first treatment strategy, if the patient goes into cardiac arrest, defibrillation would be crucial. An unconscious patient may require defibrillation if they are in a life-threatening arrhythmia, and cardiac arrest is the primary indication for defibrillation, as it aims to restore a normal heart rhythm.