RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 761 of 2368

The monitor shows organized electrical activity, but the nurse cannot palpate a pulse and the client is unresponsive. Which action is correct?

  1. Recheck the pulse in 10 minutes before acting
  2. Deliver a defibrillation shock immediately
  3. Prepare for synchronized cardioversion
  4. Start CPR, call for emergency help, and expect no shock
Show answer

Correct answer: Start CPR, call for emergency help, and expect no shock

Pulseless electrical activity has electrical activity too weak to cause a pulse. It is not shockable, so CPR and emergency treatment are started.

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 "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026