Management of CareQuestion 759 of 2368
A client is unresponsive and pulseless. The monitor shows a chaotic, quivering baseline with no measurable waveforms. Which action should the nurse take first?
- Prepare for synchronized cardioversion
- Initiate CPR and obtain emergency assistance
- Administer an oral antidysrhythmic medication
- Reposition the electrodes and obtain a repeat strip
Show answer
Correct answer: Initiate CPR and obtain emergency assistance
This pattern is ventricular fibrillation, which has no cardiac output. It requires immediate CPR and emergency response.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Interpret Basic ECG: Ventricular Rhythms. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Management of Care"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026