When applying AED pads for an adult patient, where should the pads be positioned?

When applying AED pads for an adult patient, the correct positioning is one pad on the upper right chest and one on the lower left chest. This placement is crucial because it creates an optimal pathway for the electrical current delivered by the AED to flow through the heart, which can help in restoring a normal rhythm in the event of a cardiac arrest.

The upper right chest pad is placed above the right nipple, while the lower left chest pad is positioned below the left nipple, typically along the left side of the ribcage. This configuration ensures that the shock can effectively pass through the heart, maximizing the chances of successful defibrillation. Proper pad placement also helps in reducing the risk of impedance from tissues and other organs, which could interfere with the electric shock.

Other placements, such as positioning one pad on the center of the chest and one on the abdomen, or placing pads on either the arm or shoulder, do not provide the same effective electrical pathway and may result in increased impedance, impairing the AED's effectiveness. Hence, the specific arrangement chosen ensures the best possible outcome for the patient.