In evaluating a patient in cardiac arrest, one of the key questions is whether the rhythm is shockable or nonshockable.

In evaluating a patient in cardiac arrest, one of the key questions is whether the rhythm is shockable or nonshockable.

• A. Is there a palpable pulse
• B. Is the patient conscious
• C. Is the rhythm shockable (ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia) or nonshockable (PEA and asystole)
• D. Is the blood pressure elevated

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is how to decide whether a cardiac-arrest rhythm should be shocked. The best choice names the two categories that guide defibrillation: shockable rhythms are ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, while nonshockable rhythms are pulseless electrical activity and asystole. This distinction tells you what action to take next: if the rhythm is shockable, deliver defibrillation as promptly as possible; if it is nonshockable, continue high-quality CPR and treat reversible causes rather than shocking. The other options don’t directly indicate whether defibrillation is appropriate—palpating a pulse, the patient’s consciousness, or blood pressure don’t define the rhythm’s shockability and don’t determine whether a shock is indicated.

The main idea being tested is how to decide whether a cardiac-arrest rhythm should be shocked. The best choice names the two categories that guide defibrillation: shockable rhythms are ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, while nonshockable rhythms are pulseless electrical activity and asystole. This distinction tells you what action to take next: if the rhythm is shockable, deliver defibrillation as promptly as possible; if it is nonshockable, continue high-quality CPR and treat reversible causes rather than shocking. The other options don’t directly indicate whether defibrillation is appropriate—palpating a pulse, the patient’s consciousness, or blood pressure don’t define the rhythm’s shockability and don’t determine whether a shock is indicated.