Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is an important action after early defibrillation in the Cardiac Chain of Survival?

1. Transport the patient

2. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care

3. Early CPR

4. Call for additional medical personnel

The correct answer is: Integrated post-cardiac arrest care

After early defibrillation in the Cardiac Chain of Survival, integrated post-cardiac arrest care is critical for the continued management of a patient who has experienced a cardiac arrest. This step involves sophisticated medical interventions and monitoring to ensure that the patient receives the appropriate follow-up care. Post-cardiac arrest care includes optimizing ventilation and oxygenation, managing blood pressure, addressing any underlying causes of the arrest, and planning for potential therapeutic hypothermia if indicated. This phase is significant because the survival rates and recovery outcomes are heavily influenced by the quality and extent of care provided after circulation is restored. Focusing solely on transporting the patient or calling for additional medical personnel, while important in the overall care process, does not directly address the immediate medical needs that arise once defibrillation has been successfully performed. Additionally, while early CPR is crucial, it is generally emphasized as part of the efforts preceding defibrillation rather than as an action taken afterwards. Therefore, integrated post-cardiac arrest care ensures that the patient is monitored and treated appropriately, ultimately improving their chances of survival and recovery.