NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareEasy
A medical assistant is preparing to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) on an adult patient who has collapsed and is unresponsive. After ensuring the scene is safe, what is the NEXT step the medical assistant should take?
- ADeliver a shock immediately if the AED advises it.
- BPerform chest compressions for 2 minutes.
- CCheck for a pulse and breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
- DAttach the AED pads to the patient's bare chest.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Check for a pulse and breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
After ensuring scene safety for an unresponsive patient, the immediate next step in the basic life support sequence is to check for a pulse and breathing for a brief period (no more than 10 seconds) to determine if CPR or defibrillation is needed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A shock is delivered only after the AED analyzes the rhythm and advises a shock, which requires the pads to be attached first.
- B. Chest compressions are initiated if no pulse is found; checking for a pulse comes first.
- D. Attaching AED pads comes after checking for pulse/breathing and determining the need for defibrillation.
Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) Sequence
A standardized sequence of actions for responding to an adult in cardiac arrest, including assessment, CPR, and AED use.
- Prioritizes scene safety.
- Emphasizes early chest compressions.
- AED use is integrated early in the sequence.
Memory trick: Safe, Shout, Check, Compress, Shock!