National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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An automated external defibrillator (AED) is primarily used in response to which medical emergency?

Stroke
Sudden cardiac arrest
Severe allergic reaction
Respiratory failure

The correct answer is: Sudden cardiac arrest

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is specifically designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest, a critical condition where the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. When this occurs, the heart fails to pump blood to vital organs, consequently leading to loss of consciousness and death if not treated immediately. The AED works by analyzing the heart's rhythm and delivering an electrical shock if it detects a potentially lethal arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. This shock aims to restore a normal heart rhythm. The other medical emergencies listed do not involve the immediate use of an AED. In the case of a stroke, for instance, interventions focus on improving blood flow to the brain or minimizing damage. Severe allergic reactions may require the use of epinephrine to counteract symptoms like airway constriction. Respiratory failure involves restoring adequate breathing and may require oxygen or mechanical support. While these conditions demand urgent medical attention, they do not benefit from the defibrillation process that an AED provides.