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What are the indications for performing AED defibrillation?

  1. Obviously Dead

  2. Altered Level of Awareness

  3. Shock indicated

  4. No obvious ROSC

The correct answer is: Altered Level of Awareness

The correct indication for performing AED defibrillation is when a shock is indicated. This is determined based on the patient's heart rhythm, which the AED analyzes before advising a shock. The device identifies potentially life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, that require defibrillation to restore a normal heart rhythm and improve the chances of survival. In the context of this scenario, while an altered level of awareness may indicate a problem, it does not provide direct criteria for shock administration without a corresponding rhythm assessment. The AED provides guidance on when treatment is necessary, leading to the correct answer focusing specifically on the presence of a shocking rhythm.