Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What should be done immediately after an AED shock is delivered or if no shock is advised?

1. Resume CPR immediately

2. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive

3. Check the patient's pulse again

4. Administer supplemental oxygen

The correct answer is: Resume CPR immediately

After an AED shock is delivered or if the AED advises no shock, the immediate and critical action is to resume CPR. This is essential because the heart may not have successfully restarted, and the victim remains in a state of cardiac arrest. Continuing CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, increasing the chances of a successful outcome. CPR should be performed without interruption after using the AED and should ideally continue until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive or until an advanced healthcare provider can take over. This practice aligns with the guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association, which emphasizes the importance of high-quality CPR following the use of an AED. Other actions, such as waiting for emergency personnel or checking the patient's pulse, are not appropriate at this stage. These would delay critical interventions that can significantly impact the victim’s chances of survival. Administering supplemental oxygen might be beneficial in a hospital setting, but it should not replace the immediate need for CPR in a pre-hospital environment. Thus, resuming CPR without hesitation ensures continuous support for the patient’s circulatory system, promoting blood flow and oxygen delivery until further medical help is available.