Question

A middle-aged male was found unresponsive by his wife. When you arrive at the scene, you assess the patient and determine that he is apneic and pulseless. You should _________.

1) Administer oxygen and begin chest compressions
2) Check for a pulse and begin rescue breathing
3) Perform a head tilt-chin lift maneuver
4) Apply an automated external defibrillator (AED)

Answer 1

You should immediately start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and apply an automated external defibrillator (AED) following the proper sequence if a middle-aged male is found unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a middle-aged male is found unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless, the correct steps to take are to immediately call for help, perform a quick assessment to confirm unresponsiveness and absence of pulse, and then immediately start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) followed by the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), if available. The first step would usually involve performing high-quality chest compressions at a depth of at least 5 cm and a rate of 100 compressions per minute, which is crucial in maintaining blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain. After initiating and ensuring consistent chest compressions, you should then apply the AED to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary. CPR should be continued until the patient regains spontaneous contraction or is declared dead by an experienced healthcare professional.