Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What is the initial priority for an unconscious patient with any tachycardia on the monitor?

1. Provide oxygen immediately

2. Determine whether pulses are present

3. Start chest compressions

4. Apply defibrillator pads

The correct answer is: Determine whether pulses are present

The initial priority for an unconscious patient with any form of tachycardia is to determine whether pulses are present. Assessing the presence of a pulse is crucial because it will guide the subsequent actions. If the patient has a pulse, the approach may involve stabilizing the patient and considering advanced interventions to address the tachycardia. Conversely, if there is no pulse, this indicates a cardiac arrest situation, necessitating immediate initiation of chest compressions and defibrillation if indicated. In clinical practice, understanding whether the patient is still perfusing is critical to managing their care effectively. This assessment directs the entire treatment pathway, establishing whether the priority shifts toward supportive measures or aggressive resuscitative efforts.