NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamCardiology & ResuscitationEasy
A 25-year-old male is found unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. CPR is initiated, and an AED is attached. The AED analyzes the rhythm and advises 'SHOCK ADVISED.' What is the MOST appropriate next action after ensuring all personnel are clear?
- ACheck for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds.
- BVentilate the patient at a rate of one breath every 5-6 seconds.
- CDeliver the shock and immediately resume chest compressions.
- DRe-analyze the rhythm after 2 minutes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Deliver the shock and immediately resume chest compressions.
When an AED advises 'SHOCK ADVISED,' it means the patient is in a shockable rhythm (Ventricular Fibrillation or Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia). After ensuring the scene is clear, the shock must be delivered immediately, followed by the immediate resumption of chest compressions to minimize interruptions to CPR.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Checking for a pulse should be done after 2 minutes of CPR (5 cycles), not immediately after delivering a shock.
- B. Ventilations are part of CPR, but compressions must be resumed immediately after the shock.
- D. Rhythm re-analysis occurs after 2 minutes of CPR following the shock, not immediately after the shock delivery.
AED 'Shock Advised' Protocol
When an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) indicates 'Shock Advised,' it means the patient's cardiac rhythm is a shockable rhythm (Ventricular Fibrillation or Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia).
- Indicates a shockable rhythm (VF/pVT).
- Requires immediate defibrillation.
- Followed by immediate resumption of chest compressions.
- Minimizes interruptions in CPR.
Memory trick: Shock advised? Clear the deck, then pump the chest!