Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What should be your first action upon observing a patient with sudden unresponsiveness and a defibrillator present?

1. Call for help

2. Give a single shock

3. Start CPR

4. Check the patient's pulse

The correct answer is: Give a single shock

The first action upon observing a patient with sudden unresponsiveness, especially in the presence of a defibrillator, is to assess the situation quickly. If the patient is unresponsive and there's a high suspicion of cardiac arrest, the immediate next step is to utilize the defibrillator. Administering a single shock is critical at this point as it can significantly increase the chances of return of spontaneous circulation if the patient is in a shockable rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The prompt use of defibrillation is central to ACLS protocols because effective defibrillation can restore a normal heart rhythm and improve survival outcomes. This action aligns with the emphasis placed in ACLS on early defibrillation as a vital component of the chain of survival in cardiac emergencies. In cases of unresponsiveness, while actions such as calling for help, checking the pulse, or starting CPR are essential components of the overall management, utilizing the defibrillator immediately when indicated takes precedence. This is because the window of opportunity to successfully restore a normal heart rhythm is time-sensitive, and rapid defibrillation is critically necessary for effective intervention.