NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamCardiology & ResuscitationEasy
An EMT is assisting with the care of a 72-year-old patient in cardiac arrest. CPR is ongoing. The patient's rhythm is identified as ventricular fibrillation (VF). The AED delivers a shock. What is the immediate next action following the shock?
- AReanalyze the patient's rhythm.
- BAdminister rescue breaths.
- CCheck for a carotid pulse.
- DResume chest compressions immediately.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Resume chest compressions immediately.
After an AED delivers a shock, the most appropriate immediate next action is to resume chest compressions without delay. Checking a pulse or reanalyzing the rhythm too soon interrupts critical perfusion efforts.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Reanalyzing the rhythm immediately is incorrect; CPR should be resumed for 2 minutes before reanalysis.
- B. Administering rescue breaths is part of CPR, but the immediate action after shock is to restart compressions.
- C. Checking a pulse immediately after a shock is incorrect; CPR should be resumed first.
AED Protocol: Post-Shock Action
Immediately following an AED shock, chest compressions must be resumed without delay to maintain vital organ perfusion.
- Minimize hands-off time.
- Resume CPR for 2 minutes.
- Do not check pulse or rhythm immediately after shock.
Memory trick: Shocked? Start Pumping!