What is the first action when a shockable rhythm is present?

What is the first action when a shockable rhythm is present?

• A. Administer amiodarone
• B. Defibrillate immediately
• C. Begin CPR
• D. Check pulse

Answer: (B)

When a shockable rhythm is present in cardiac arrest, the first action is to deliver a defibrillating shock immediately. VF and pulseless VT produce no effective cardiac output, and a countershock can reset the heart’s electrical activity enough to restore a perfusing rhythm. Time is critical—delaying defibrillation to perform CPR or give medications before shocking lowers the chance of survival. After the shock is delivered, you immediately resume CPR and continue with the ACLS sequence (reassessing rhythm and pulse, giving medications as indicated after initial shocks, etc.).

When a shockable rhythm is present in cardiac arrest, the first action is to deliver a defibrillating shock immediately. VF and pulseless VT produce no effective cardiac output, and a countershock can reset the heart’s electrical activity enough to restore a perfusing rhythm. Time is critical—delaying defibrillation to perform CPR or give medications before shocking lowers the chance of survival. After the shock is delivered, you immediately resume CPR and continue with the ACLS sequence (reassessing rhythm and pulse, giving medications as indicated after initial shocks, etc.).