During AED use in a clinic, after a shock is advised, what should you do?

During AED use in a clinic, after a shock is advised, what should you do?

• A. Stop CPR and wait for EMS
• B. Wait for a pulse check before resuming CPR
• C. Check rhythm again before resuming CPR
• D. Resume CPR immediately after the shock and continue until help arrives or scene is safe

Answer: (D)

When a shock is delivered by the AED, the priority is to restore and maintain blood flow. Immediately resume high-quality chest compressions, starting right after the shock, and continue until trained help arrives or the scene is safe. Do not pause to check for a pulse or to recheck the rhythm before starting compressions, because interruptions during CPR reduce perfusion and survival chances. The AED will automatically reanalyze the rhythm on its next cycle, so you can keep compressions going while the device handles rhythm checks.

When a shock is delivered by the AED, the priority is to restore and maintain blood flow. Immediately resume high-quality chest compressions, starting right after the shock, and continue until trained help arrives or the scene is safe. Do not pause to check for a pulse or to recheck the rhythm before starting compressions, because interruptions during CPR reduce perfusion and survival chances. The AED will automatically reanalyze the rhythm on its next cycle, so you can keep compressions going while the device handles rhythm checks.