Scenario: A 55-year-old male is found unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse.

Initial Assessment:

  • Responsiveness: Unresponsive
  • Breathing: Apneic (not breathing)
  • Pulse: No pulse palpated

Actions:

  1. Call for help: Announce a code and activate the emergency response team.
  2. Begin CPR: Start chest compressions and ventilation at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute with a compression depth of at least 2 inches.
  3. Attach AED: Apply defibrillator pads and analyze the rhythm.

Questions:

  1. What is the most likely initial rhythm in this scenario?

    • a) Asystole
    • b) Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
    • c) Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
    • d) Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
  2. What actions should be taken if the rhythm is confirmed as VF?

    • a) Administer epinephrine.
    • b) Deliver a shock with the defibrillator.
    • c) Continue CPR only.
    • d) Perform high-quality CPR for 2 minutes before attempting defibrillation.
  3. After defibrillation, the patient remains unresponsive. What is the next step?

    • a) Resume CPR and reassess rhythm.
    • b) Administer amiodarone.
    • c) Administer epinephrine.
    • d) Check for a pulse.