How should a patient with external pacing wires be mobilized?

• A. Remove pacing wires before mobilization
• B. Consult cardiology; avoid traction on leads; monitor device function; ensure staff are aware and prepared to stabilize if pacing needs change
• C. Sit them up without additional precautions
• D. Ignore leads entirely

Answer: (B)

Protecting the pacing setup and planning with the care team is essential when mobilizing a patient with external pacing wires. The main idea is to prevent lead displacement and ensure the pacing system remains functional during activity. This means consulting cardiology to confirm the plan, avoiding any traction on the leads so they don’t loosen or dislodge, actively monitoring the external device to confirm ongoing pacing capture and appropriate rate, and having staff ready to stabilize the patient if pacing needs change. By coordinating, securing the wires, and ensuring device function is checked, you reduce the risk of abrupt loss of pacing during movement.

Removing the wires before mobilization risks abrupt loss of pacing and potential hemodynamic instability. Sitting up without precautions or ignoring the leads fails to address the critical need for lead protection and device monitoring during activity.