In the scenario of ventricular fibrillation, which action is the priority?

In the scenario of ventricular fibrillation, which action is the priority?

• A. Treating pain
• B. Assessing respirations
• C. Initiating defibrillation
• D. Monitoring blood pressure

Answer: (C)

When ventricular fibrillation occurs, the heart is unable to pump blood because its electrical activity is chaotic. The priority is to terminate that disorganized rhythm with defibrillation as soon as a defibrillator is available. Restoring a perfusing heartbeat takes precedence over comfort measures or routine monitoring because every moment without a shock or adequate perfusion increases risk of brain injury and death. If a shock isn’t immediately ready, high-quality CPR maintains blood flow while you prepare for defibrillation, then you resume CPR after delivering the shock and continue reassessment.

When ventricular fibrillation occurs, the heart is unable to pump blood because its electrical activity is chaotic. The priority is to terminate that disorganized rhythm with defibrillation as soon as a defibrillator is available. Restoring a perfusing heartbeat takes precedence over comfort measures or routine monitoring because every moment without a shock or adequate perfusion increases risk of brain injury and death. If a shock isn’t immediately ready, high-quality CPR maintains blood flow while you prepare for defibrillation, then you resume CPR after delivering the shock and continue reassessment.