DANB General Chairside Practice Test

What action should be taken if a conscious patient is unresponsive and shows signs of cardiac arrest?

1. Perform rescue breathing only

2. Contact emergency services immediately

3. Start chest compressions immediately

4. Begin checking their pulse for one full minute

The correct answer is: Start chest compressions immediately

In a situation where a conscious patient becomes unresponsive and exhibits signs of cardiac arrest, initiating chest compressions immediately is crucial. This is because the primary goal in such emergencies is to maintain blood circulation and provide oxygen to vital organs, especially the brain. Chest compressions are vital for pumping blood when the heart is not effectively beating, which is often the case during cardiac arrest. When chest compressions are started without delay, the chances of a positive outcome significantly increase. It is essential for bystanders or caregivers to act quickly, as every second counts in these critical situations. While contacting emergency services is undoubtedly important and should be done as soon as possible, the priority in this scenario is to begin chest compressions to provide life-sustaining blood flow until professional help arrives. Checking for a pulse for one full minute would waste precious time during a cardiac emergency. The effectiveness of rescue breathing alone is also limited in the absence of continuous chest compressions, as it does not address the need for circulation. Therefore, immediately starting chest compressions reflects the best practice in responding to a cardiac arrest.