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Before attaching AED pads, what should you do if the victim's chest is wet?

  1. Leave the chest as is.

  2. Wipe the victim's chest dry.

  3. Use the pads to dry the chest.

  4. Apply salt to the wet area.

The correct answer is: Wipe the victim's chest dry.

Wiping the victim's chest dry before attaching AED pads is crucial for the effective delivery of an electrical shock. Wet skin can hinder the conductivity of the pads, which may prevent the AED from functioning properly and delivering the necessary shock to treat a life-threatening arrhythmia. Water on the skin can also lead to poor adhesion of the pads, increasing the risk of them becoming dislodged when they are needed most. Using a towel or cloth to dry the chest ensures that the contact between the pads and the skin is optimal. This helps to establish a proper electrical pathway for the shock, allowing the AED to perform its life-saving function as intended. In contrast, leaving the chest wet, using the pads to dry the chest, or applying salt are not effective measures and can lead to complications during the resuscitation process.