Denver Health EMT Practice Exam

In the case of a cardiac arrest where a nitroglycerin patch is present, the immediate action required is to remove the patch before using an AED. This is important because nitroglycerin is a medication that causes vasodilation, which can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure. When performing defibrillation with an AED, any conductive material, including a nitroglycerin patch, can pose a risk of burns to the patient’s skin or interference with the electrical impulse delivered by the AED.

By removing the patch, you not only eliminate the risk of potential complications during defibrillation, but you also ensure that the patient's response to the AED is optimized. Proper situational awareness and attention to any medication that may affect the patient’s condition are crucial in emergency response scenarios.