A patient recently had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) inserted. The patient expresses concern about the device discharging during sexual activities and shocking his wife. The nurse should explain that:

Explanation

• An ICD shock is delivered internally using much less power than external pads. It would not harm a person touching the patient because the charge is not high enough to cause harm, and it would be difficult to detect by anyone else  

• Incorrect: An alarm will sound if the patient is near a magnetic field that may deactivate the device 

• Incorrect: It is unnecessary for others to avoid contact with the patient 

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