Question

You have analyzed a cardiac arrest patient's rhythm three times with the AED, separated by 2-minute cycles of CPR, and have received no shock messages each time. What should you do?

1) Continue with CPR and reassess the rhythm after another 2-minute cycle
2) Administer a shock using the AED
3) Stop CPR and seek additional medical assistance
4) Perform a manual defibrillation

Answer 1

Continue with CPR and reassess with the AED after another 2-minute cycle, as per the AED's instructions and local medical protocols, until professional medical help arrives or there are signs of life.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has analyzed a cardiac arrest patient's rhythm three times and has advised no shock each time, you should continue with CPR and reassess the rhythm after another 2-minute cycle. This is because AEDs are designed to automatically diagnose the patient's heart condition and advise whether a shock should be administered. If the AED indicates no shock is necessary, it has determined the patient's heart rhythm is not one that will benefit from defibrillation. Continuing CPR is essential in this scenario as it helps maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain.

It's recommended to follow the AED's instructions and local protocols, which commonly involve providing cycles of CPR and allowing the AED to reanalyze the heart rhythm periodically. If the AED then advises a shock, it should be delivered. If ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia occurs, rapid defibrillation is crucial, but if the AED consistently advises 'no shock', CPR should be continued until professional medical help arrives or until there are signs of life.