SELF/Perioperative Nursing/Defibrillation with AED/Psychomotor Skills Practice Assessment
Defibrillation with AED – Assessment Rubric – Perioperative Nursing (ECSACONM)
[edit | edit source]Overview
[edit | edit source]This page provides a psychomotor assessment rubric for defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED), developed for perioperative nursing training under ECSACONM (East, Central and Southern Africa College of Nursing). It is the assessment companion to the Defibrillation with AED psychomotor skills practice worksheet, used to score learner performance across the sequential steps of AED activation, pad placement, safety checks, response to AED prompts, simulated shock delivery, and coordination with ongoing CPR.
Each step is scored on a five-point scale. Articulated (spoken, non-observed) steps are marked as either "Not done" or "Done." Observed steps are anchored at three levels: 1 – Clinically Unacceptable, 3 – Clinically Acceptable, and 5 – Excellent, with levels 2 and 4 available for intermediate performance. An Assistant column records the second learner's supporting actions, and a Comments column is provided for assessor notes.
Purpose
[edit | edit source]To provide a consistent, criterion-referenced tool for assessing a learner's ability to operate an automated external defibrillator safely, ensuring correct pad placement, rigorous safety checks before rhythm analysis and shock delivery, appropriate response to AED prompts, and effective coordination of AED use with ongoing CPR.
Psychomotor Assessment Rubric
[edit | edit source]| # | Step | Assistant | Assessment Method | 1 – Clinically Unacceptable / Not Performed | 2 | 3 – Clinically Acceptable / Performed | 4 | 5 – Excellent | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start chest compressions while the AED is prepared | Begins or continues simulated chest compressions. | Articulated | Not done | Done | ||||
| 2 | Power on the AED | Continues simulated chest compressions. | Observed | Fails to turn on the AED or significantly delays activation, requiring prompting. | Powers on the AED promptly and follows the initial voice and visual prompts correctly. | Activates the AED immediately, follows prompts confidently, and prepares efficiently for the next step without hesitation. | |||
| 3 | Prepare the anterior chest | Continues simulated chest compressions. | Articulated | Not done | Done | ||||
| 4 | Assess for pad-placement hazards | Continues simulated chest compressions. | Articulated | Not done | Done | ||||
| 5 | Apply the right upper chest pad | Continues simulated chest compressions until both pads are applied. | Observed | Places the pad in an incorrect location, with poor adhesion, or requires repeated repositioning. | Places the pad correctly below the right clavicle with secure adhesion. | Accurately identifies the anatomical landmarks and applies the pad quickly, securely, and without unnecessary interruption to CPR. | |||
| 6 | Apply the left lateral chest pad | Continues simulated chest compressions until both pads are applied. | Observed | Places the pad in an incorrect location, too close to the first pad, or with poor adhesion. | Places the pad correctly on the left lateral chest with appropriate separation and secure adhesion. | Accurately identifies the anatomical landmarks and applies the pad efficiently while minimizing interruption to CPR. | |||
| 7 | Connect the pads to the AED (if required) | Continues simulated chest compressions until instructed to stop. | Observed | Fails to connect the pads correctly or delays rhythm analysis because of an incomplete connection. | Correctly connects the pads and confirms the AED is ready for rhythm analysis. | Connects the pads immediately, verifies readiness without prompting, and maintains an efficient workflow. | |||
| 8 | Clear the patient for rhythm analysis | Stops simulated chest compressions immediately and moves clear. | Observed | Fails to ensure everyone is clear before rhythm analysis or communicates unclearly. | Clearly instructs everyone to stand clear and confirms that no one is touching the patient before rhythm analysis. | Performs a loud verbal command, complete visual sweep, and confidently confirms that the patient is clear before analysis begins. | |||
| 9 | Respond to the AED prompt | Prepares to resume simulated chest compressions when instructed. | Observed | Misinterprets or fails to follow the AED prompts correctly. | Correctly follows the AED prompts and performs the indicated action without prompting. | Responds immediately and confidently to every AED prompt while maintaining an efficient workflow. | |||
| 10 | Deliver a simulated shock (if advised) | Remains clear until simulated shock delivery is complete. | Observed | Delivers or attempts to deliver a shock without confirming that everyone is clear of the patient. | Clearly announces "Clear," confirms no one is touching the patient, and delivers the simulated shock correctly. | Performs a loud verbal warning, complete visual confirmation, obtains team acknowledgement, and delivers the simulated shock confidently without delay. | |||
| 11 | Resume simulated chest compressions immediately | Immediately resumes simulated chest compressions. | Observed | Delays resumption of chest compressions or requires prompting to continue. | Resumes simulated chest compressions immediately after rhythm analysis or simulated shock delivery. | Transitions immediately back to chest compressions with excellent coordination and virtually no unnecessary interruption. | |||
| 12 | Continue AED-guided care | Continues simulated chest compressions when indicated and stops when instructed for subsequent rhythm analyses. | Articulated | Not done | Done |
References
[edit | edit source]
| Authors | Ian-laurel |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Organizations | SELF, ECSACONM |
| Cite as | Ian-laurel-1 (2026). "SELF/Perioperative Nursing/Defibrillation with AED/Psychomotor Skills Practice Assessment". Appropedia. Retrieved August 2, 2026. |