Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

Which action is included in the BLS survey?

1. Provide high-flow oxygen

2. Early defibrillation

3. Transport the patient immediately

4. Secure airway using advanced techniques

The correct answer is: Early defibrillation

The BLS (Basic Life Support) survey focuses primarily on ensuring immediate and effective care for individuals experiencing a cardiac emergency. Early defibrillation is a critical action in the BLS survey because it directly addresses the restoration of a viable heart rhythm in patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. During a cardiac emergency, the chance of survival decreases significantly with each passing minute, making the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible essential. While providing high-flow oxygen, transporting the patient, and securing the airway using advanced techniques are important aspects of comprehensive patient care, they fall more under the scope of advanced life support measures or specific interventions done after the initial BLS interventions are completed. The immediate focus of BLS is to recognize sudden cardiac arrest, call for help, initiate CPR, and use an AED for early defibrillation when indicated. This intervention is crucial in improving outcomes for patients in cardiac arrest situations.