Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What is the immediate action to take for an unresponsive patient who is not breathing and shows no pulse?

1. Begin rescue breathing

2. Start chest compressions of at least 100 per min

3. Call for additional help

4. Administer oxygen

The correct answer is: Start chest compressions of at least 100 per min

In the scenario of an unresponsive patient who is not breathing and shows no pulse, the immediate action that should be taken is to initiate chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 per minute. This is a critical step in basic life support and protocols such as those outlined by the American Heart Association emphasize that effective chest compressions are essential in maintaining blood flow to vital organs until advanced care can be provided. Starting chest compressions immediately is vital because it helps to circulate any residual blood and oxygen in the body, delay the onset of irreversible brain damage, and increase the chances of effective resuscitation. Timing is crucial in a cardiac arrest situation, and chest compressions should be the priority when assessing an unresponsive patient with no pulse. While other actions, such as calling for additional help and administering oxygen, are important components of the overall management of cardiac arrest, they should follow the initiation of chest compressions. Rescue breathing and oxygen administration will not be effective if the heart is not pumping blood, thus compromising any delivery of oxygen to tissues. In this case, the focus must remain on high-quality chest compressions to maximize chances of survival until advanced interventions can occur.