What is the initial action in response to cardiac or respiratory arrest?

What is the initial action in response to cardiac or respiratory arrest?

• A. Wait for EMS to arrive before acting.
• B. Begin CPR only after checking for a pulse.
• C. Check for a pulse; if no pulse, call code and begin CPR.
• D. Tell a nurse to call code.

Answer: (C)

Prompt action in cardiac or respiratory arrest hinges on quickly assessing whether a pulse is present and then starting life-saving care without delay. The right move is to quickly check for a pulse; if no pulse is found, you immediately call for help (activate the emergency response or code) and begin CPR right away. This sequence minimizes delay, ensuring you don’t waste precious seconds waiting for EMS or assuming someone else will act, while also avoiding CPR when a pulse does exist. The other options either delay starting CPR, delay summoning help, or would miss the essential step of confirming the absence of a pulse before proceeding.

Prompt action in cardiac or respiratory arrest hinges on quickly assessing whether a pulse is present and then starting life-saving care without delay. The right move is to quickly check for a pulse; if no pulse is found, you immediately call for help (activate the emergency response or code) and begin CPR right away. This sequence minimizes delay, ensuring you don’t waste precious seconds waiting for EMS or assuming someone else will act, while also avoiding CPR when a pulse does exist. The other options either delay starting CPR, delay summoning help, or would miss the essential step of confirming the absence of a pulse before proceeding.