Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What should be done if a patient is unresponsive but has a weak pulse?

1. Provide rescue breaths only

2. Initiate chest compressions immediately

3. Monitor the patient carefully

4. Check with advanced care providers

The correct answer is: Initiate chest compressions immediately

In a scenario where a patient is unresponsive but has a weak pulse, it is essential to initiate chest compressions immediately. This action is based on the understanding that a weak pulse often indicates inadequate circulation, meaning the heart is not effectively pumping blood to vital organs. When a patient is unresponsive, the immediate priority is to ensure that blood continues to flow to the brain and other critical organs. Chest compressions help maintain some level of circulation, which is crucial for preventing further deterioration of the patient's condition. The guidelines for ACLS emphasize that high-quality chest compressions should start as soon as possible in cases of unresponsiveness and weak pulses, particularly when there are any signs of possible cardiac arrest. Rescue breaths alone would not be sufficient given that the patient requires circulation assistance due to the weak pulse. Monitoring the patient carefully might not be adequate in an emergency situation, as immediate action is needed for a potentially life-threatening condition. Checking with advanced care providers can be important but should not delay the initiation of chest compressions, as timely intervention is critical in critical care scenarios. Thus, the right response involves activating the chain of survival through immediate and effective chest compressions.