A monitored patient in ventricular fibrillation receives one defibrillation shock. What should the team do immediately next?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Resume chest compressions at once for about two minutes before the next rhythm check

  1. Step 1: After a shock, the heart often has no effective output even if the rhythm changes, so perfusion depends on compressions.
  2. Step 2: Guidelines call for immediate CPR for two minutes, then a rhythm check and a shock if still indicated.
Answer
Resume compressions for two minutes.
Why not the others: Pulse checks and repeated shocks delay compressions; drugs follow compressions and are not given in place of them.

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