NCLEX Practice Test 2025 - Free NCLEX Practice Questions and Study Guide

The most appropriate action involves a comprehensive approach to safety and the effective use of an AED. When encountering a victim who is wet and lying in water, it is critical to ensure the risk of electrocution is minimized. Water is a conductor of electricity, and using an AED while the victim is lying in water could pose significant hazards to both the victim and the rescuer due to potential electrical shock.

In this context, moving the victim out of the water would be necessary to ensure their safety when using the AED. However, consideration also needs to be given to the presence of the transdermal medication patch, as this could also interfere with the effectiveness of the AED. The correct approach entails removing the patch and ensuring the chest is dry before applying the AED pads, thereby optimizing the shock delivery and reducing any risks associated with the medication that may conduct electricity.

Thus, the choice of not using the AED until safety measures—like moving the victim from water and addressing any pumps or patches—are taken ensures the well-being of everyone involved while adhering to the guidelines for successful defibrillation.