A practical approach to teaching the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patient.

An implantable defibrillator is a surgically implanted device capable of continuously monitoring the patient's heart rhythm and automatically delivering a cardioverting or defibrillating shock to the heart. This article describes one approach to teaching the implanted defibrillator patient. Preoperative, postoperative, and discharge teaching goals and content are discussed. A case study illustrates the need for contact with the emergency medical system.