Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What action should be taken immediately when a patient shows signs of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)?

1. Resume CPR immediately

2. Stop CPR and monitor the patient

3. Apply additional AED pads

4. Assess for consciousness

The correct answer is: Stop CPR and monitor the patient

When a patient shows signs of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), the immediate and correct action is to stop CPR and monitor the patient. This is because ROSC indicates that the heart has started beating again and the patient may have regained some level of circulation. At this point, it becomes crucial to ensure that the patient is stable and to assess their breathing and responsiveness. Monitoring the patient allows for the detection of any potential changes in their condition, which might require further intervention. Continuous observation can help identify if the patient remains stable or if they need additional support, such as oxygen therapy or advanced medical care. Additionally, during this monitoring phase, it is important to keep the patient in a safe position to maintain an open airway and ensure adequate breathing. Starting CPR again at this moment, applying additional AED pads, or immediately assessing for consciousness could interfere with the stabilization process or may not be necessary since the heart has resumed function. The focus should be on assessing the patient's current status while being prepared to act if there are any changes.