Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What action should be taken during the first vital moments of a cardiac arrest?

1. Wait for emergency services to arrive

2. Immediately begin CPR

3. Check for a pulse for more than 10 seconds

4. Administer medications as directed

The correct answer is: Immediately begin CPR

During the initial moments of a cardiac arrest, it is critical to immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This action is vital because effective CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, which can significantly increase the chances of survival and favorable outcomes. When the heart stops beating, without CPR, the brain can suffer irreversible damage within just a few minutes due to lack of oxygen. The guidelines emphasize that CPR should be initiated as soon as cardiac arrest is recognized, ideally within the first few seconds. Time is of the essence in these situations, and the sooner CPR begins, the better the survival rates. Other options, such as waiting for emergency services, checking for a pulse for an extended period, or administering medications, delay vital intervention. These delays can lead to worse outcomes, reinforcing the urgency of starting CPR as soon as possible.