How should AED pads be placed on adults?

The correct method for placing AED pads on adults is anterior/lateral placement or anterior/posterior placement, depending on the specific AED model being used. Anterior/lateral placement involves placing one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side of the ribcage. This positioning ensures that the electrical shock delivered by the AED can effectively pass through the heart, allowing for efficient defibrillation.

In some cases, especially when the patient's body size or other circumstances warrant it, the pads may be placed in an anterior/posterior configuration, with one pad on the front of the chest and the other on the back. This can be particularly useful with larger individuals or when using certain AED models that are designed to accommodate this pad placement.

Placement is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of the device, ensuring that it can successfully analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an appropriate shock if needed. The ability to use either placement method, depending on the AED design, makes option C the most comprehensive and accurate choice.