Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is the first step in managing a patient with a suspected cardiac arrest?

1. Begin CPR immediately

2. Call emergency services

3. Check for responsiveness

4. Start using an AED

The correct answer is: Check for responsiveness

The first step in managing a patient with a suspected cardiac arrest is to check for responsiveness. This is essential because it helps you assess the patient's condition immediately. By checking for responsiveness, you determine whether the individual is conscious or not, which further guides your next actions. If the person is unresponsive, it indicates that they may require emergency assistance and immediate intervention. Following this initial assessment, if the person is indeed unresponsive, the next appropriate steps would typically include calling emergency services for help and then starting CPR if the patient shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing or movement. This systematic approach ensures that the provider prioritizes assessing the patient's state before moving to procedures like CPR or defibrillation. Overall, checking for responsiveness is a crucial first step in effectively managing cardiac arrests or other emergencies.