After delivering one shock to a shockable rhythm, what should you do immediately?

After delivering one shock to a shockable rhythm, what should you do immediately?

• A. Resume CPR for 2 minutes
• B. Wait for AED prompt
• C. Check for pulse for 1 minute
• D. Clean the electrode pads

Answer: (A)

When a shockable rhythm has just been shocked, the priority is to keep blood flowing by starting high-quality chest compressions immediately. Defibrillation can restart a heart rhythm, but perfusion—especially to the brain and heart muscle—depends on continuous compressions. So you resume CPR right away and continue about for two minutes before reassessing the rhythm or delivering another shock, as guided by the AED. Delaying compressions by waiting for the device prompt, or pausing too long to check for a pulse, interrupts perfusion and lowers chances of survival. Cleaning the electrode pads has no bearing on what you do during the immediate post-shock period.

When a shockable rhythm has just been shocked, the priority is to keep blood flowing by starting high-quality chest compressions immediately. Defibrillation can restart a heart rhythm, but perfusion—especially to the brain and heart muscle—depends on continuous compressions. So you resume CPR right away and continue about for two minutes before reassessing the rhythm or delivering another shock, as guided by the AED. Delaying compressions by waiting for the device prompt, or pausing too long to check for a pulse, interrupts perfusion and lowers chances of survival. Cleaning the electrode pads has no bearing on what you do during the immediate post-shock period.