What should you do immediately after delivering a shock with the AED if advised to do so?

What should you do immediately after delivering a shock with the AED if advised to do so?

• A. Check for a pulse
• B. Immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions
• C. Re-analyze rhythm before CPR
• D. Wait for EMS to arrive

Answer: (B)

After a shock, the priority is to restore blood flow to the brain and heart. Defibrillation can reset the heart’s rhythm, but it doesn’t provide circulation, so there’s no time to waste delaying compressions. Start chest compressions immediately to maintain perfusion, then follow the AED’s prompts for the next rhythm check or shock. This immediate CPR after shock keeps oxygen-delivery going while the heart stabilizes and the device re-evaluates. Checking for a pulse right after shock or waiting for EMS would delay vital circulation, and delaying CPR to recheck the rhythm before starting compressions would reduce chances of survival.

After a shock, the priority is to restore blood flow to the brain and heart. Defibrillation can reset the heart’s rhythm, but it doesn’t provide circulation, so there’s no time to waste delaying compressions. Start chest compressions immediately to maintain perfusion, then follow the AED’s prompts for the next rhythm check or shock. This immediate CPR after shock keeps oxygen-delivery going while the heart stabilizes and the device re-evaluates. Checking for a pulse right after shock or waiting for EMS would delay vital circulation, and delaying CPR to recheck the rhythm before starting compressions would reduce chances of survival.