How should pads be placed for an infant during defibrillation?

How should pads be placed for an infant during defibrillation?

• A. Anterior-lateral placement (one pad on the chest, one pad on the left side)
• B. Posterior-anterior placement
• C. Lateral-posterior placement
• D. Anterior-posterior placement (one pad on the chest, the other on the back)

Answer: (D)

Placing one pad on the chest and the other on the back ensures the electrical current travels through the heart. This anterior-posterior arrangement creates a direct path across the myocardium, which maximizes the chance that the defibrillator will successfully terminate a shockable rhythm in an infant. With two pads on the chest, the energy may pass through superficial tissues and be less effective at reaching the heart. In infants, this front-to-back configuration is preferred to optimize current through the heart while keeping pad placement practical and safe.

Placing one pad on the chest and the other on the back ensures the electrical current travels through the heart. This anterior-posterior arrangement creates a direct path across the myocardium, which maximizes the chance that the defibrillator will successfully terminate a shockable rhythm in an infant. With two pads on the chest, the energy may pass through superficial tissues and be less effective at reaching the heart. In infants, this front-to-back configuration is preferred to optimize current through the heart while keeping pad placement practical and safe.