Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free BLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

Using adult AED pads on a 6-year-old is appropriate due to the principle that the pads can still effectively deliver a shock in situations where pediatric pads are not available. Adult pads are designed for larger body sizes, but they can safely be used on children, particularly those over the age of 8 or weighing more than 55 pounds.

When using adult pads, it’s important to ensure that the pads do not touch each other when placed on the child's chest. Placing one pad on the center of the chest and the other on the back can achieve this. This method is preferable to not using an AED at all, which could significantly lower the child's chances of survival in a cardiac emergency.

Waiting for pediatric pads to arrive could lead to an unnecessary delay in treatment when immediate action is crucial. Decreasing the charge of the AED is not a commonly recommended practice, as the unit is designed to deliver a specific dose of energy determined by the manufacturer. In a scenario where adult pads are the only option, using them provides timely assistance and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.