A 61-year-old man becomes unresponsive while being evaluated for chest pain. Triage acuity is ESI 1; he has no pulse and is apneic. Monitor shows

Question

A 61-year-old man becomes unresponsive while being evaluated for chest pain. Triage acuity is ESI 1; he has no pulse and is apneic. Monitor shows coarse ventricular fibrillation. High-quality CPR has been started and defibrillator pads are attached. Which of the following is the most important immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Deliver unsynchronized defibrillation

Answer

Perform synchronized cardioversion

Answer

Obtain a 12-lead ECG before resuscitation

Answer

Administer oral aspirin and repeat troponin

Answer

Give adenosine before shock delivery

Ventricular fibrillation arrest — ABEM Board MCQ