When ventricular fibrillation occurs, the first action to be initiated is?

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-B)

Explanation

Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) is a pulseless, chaotic cardiac rhythm that results in no effective cardiac output.
The definitive treatment for VF is electrical defibrillation, which delivers a shock to stop the chaotic activity and allow a normal rhythm to resume.
According to Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines, immediate defibrillation is the highest priority and the most critical factor for survival.
Every minute of delay in defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by approximately 7-10%.

Option A: Administering oxygen is a supportive measure, not the primary, life-saving intervention for VF. It should never delay defibrillation.
Option C: If a defibrillator is immediately available, it should be used before starting CPR. CPR provides temporary circulation but does not correct the underlying fatal arrhythmia.
Option D: Propping up a patient is contraindicated during cardiac arrest as it prevents the effective delivery of chest compressions on a firm, flat surface.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The immediate and priority nursing action for a patient experiencing Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to rapidly recognize VF on a cardiac monitor, call for help, and initiate the ACLS algorithm.
A key nursing responsibility is ensuring the safe use of the defibrillator, including announcing "All clear!" before delivering a shock to protect the resuscitation team.
Minimizing interruptions in high-quality chest compressions (less than 10 seconds) before and after defibrillation is critical for maintaining coronary and cerebral perfusion.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the clinical condition presented in the question: Ventricular Fibrillation (VF).
Recognize that VF is a life-threatening cardiac arrest rhythm.
Recall the standard treatment protocol for shockable rhythms from ACLS guidelines.
Prioritize the available interventions. Differentiate between definitive treatments (which correct the problem) and supportive treatments (which buy time).
In VF, defibrillation is the definitive treatment. CPR and oxygen are supportive.
Select the option that represents the highest-priority, definitive action: defibrillation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The immediate and priority nursing action for a patient experiencing Ventricular Fibrillation (VF).
Stem keywords: ventricular fibrillation, first action
Lead-in keywords: first action
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Practise the full SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-B)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.