Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

After verifying unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing, what should you do next?

1. Activate the emergency response team

2. Check for a pulse

3. Begin CPR immediately

4. Administer oxygen

The correct answer is: Check for a pulse

The correct next step after verifying unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing is to check for a pulse. This is a crucial action in the assessment process as it helps to determine the situation's urgency and the appropriate response. Checking for a pulse allows you to ascertain if the person has a circulatory system capable of delivering oxygen to vital organs. If a pulse is present, the person may require different interventions, such as monitoring their breathing or administering rescue breaths. However, if there is no pulse alongside abnormal breathing, it indicates that the patient is in a critical condition, requiring immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to restore circulation and oxygenation. This step is part of the standard ACLS protocol for assessing patients in cardiac arrest situations, ensuring that interventions are only initiated based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s vital signs.