A patient's heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern. The patient is unconscious,apneic,and pulseless. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's rhythm and assessment indicate ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest; the initial action should be to defibrillate. If a defibrillator is not immediately available or is unsuccessful in converting the patient to a better rhythm,begin chest compressions. The other actions may also be appropriate but not first.

A Patient's Heart Monitor Shows a Pattern of Undulations of Varying