NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamCardiology & ResuscitationEasy
A 50-year-old male is found unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. CPR is initiated immediately. An AED is brought to the scene and attached. The AED analyzes the rhythm and states 'No Shock Advised.' What is the MOST appropriate next action?
- ARemove the AED pads and prepare for transport.
- BDeliver two rescue breaths and re-analyze the rhythm.
- CResume chest compressions immediately.
- DCheck for a pulse for 10 seconds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Resume chest compressions immediately.
After an AED delivers a 'No Shock Advised' message, the most critical action is to immediately resume high-quality chest compressions to maintain vital organ perfusion until further assessment or advanced care arrives.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Removing AED pads and preparing for transport is premature; continuous CPR is required until a pulse returns or advanced care takes over.
- B. Delivering rescue breaths and re-analyzing the rhythm too quickly would interrupt compressions unnecessarily; the protocol is to resume compressions for 2 minutes before re-analyzing.
- D. Checking for a pulse would delay critical chest compressions, which are the priority after a 'No Shock Advised' message.
AED 'No Shock Advised' Protocol
If an AED analyzes a patient's rhythm and determines that no shock is indicated, the rescuer should immediately resume chest compressions.
- Do not interrupt CPR for pulse checks or re-analysis unless indicated by the AED or patient response.
- Continue CPR for 2 minutes (5 cycles) before allowing the AED to re-analyze.
- Prioritize high-quality chest compressions.
Memory trick: No shock? Keep pushing hard, don't stall!