How do pediatric AED pads differ from adult pads?

Pediatric AED pads are specifically designed to cater to the unique physiological and anatomical differences in children compared to adults. They vary by age and weight to ensure optimal electrical current delivery during defibrillation, which enhances the effectiveness and safety of the procedure for younger patients. Using the appropriate pads for the child's age and size minimizes the risk of injury and maximizes the chances of a successful response, as the heart of a child can be quite different in how it responds to electrical shocks compared to that of an adult.

The other options do not accurately reflect the design considerations of pediatric AED pads. For instance, the size of the pads is generally smaller than adult pads to fit the child's body better rather than being larger. They are not designed specifically for particular heart rates, nor is there a restriction on their use with adult patients; they can usually be used in emergencies regardless of the patient’s age, provided the correct pads are utilized.