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