# Place the immediate actions in order after an adult collapses in a hospital corridor and has no normal breathing.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=395522&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Medical Emergencies  
> category: PA

## Question

Place the immediate actions in order after an adult collapses in a hospital corridor and has no normal breathing.

Activate the emergency response and direct the second responder to bring and apply the defibrillator

Analyze the rhythm as soon as the defibrillator is attached and deliver a shock promptly if advised

Begin high-quality CPR with compressions first while the defibrillator is being obtained

Confirm scene safety, check responsiveness, and assess breathing and a pulse simultaneously for no more than 10 seconds

Immediately resume CPR after the shock or no-shock decision and continue the advanced life-support cycle

## Explanation

Rapidly confirm cardiac arrest, activate the response system, and obtain a defibrillator. Begin high-quality CPR immediately while the device is arriving. Analyze the rhythm and shock ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia without delay. Resume compressions immediately after either a shock or no-shock decision and continue the ALS algorithm with minimal interruptions.

## In-depth explanation

Correct sequence
Confirm arrest → activate and get the defibrillator → start CPR → analyze and shock if indicated → resume CPR immediately.

Why this is correct
Survival depends on early high-quality compressions and prompt defibrillation for a shockable rhythm. Pulse and breathing checks must not create a prolonged pause.

NCLEX decision rule
After every shock or no-shock decision, return to compressions immediately unless signs of life require reassessment.References
1AHA 2025 Adult Basic Life Support
2AHA 2025 Adult Advanced Life Support

## Clinical scenario

Adult cardiac arrest
The nurse has gloves and a mobile phone. A second responder and an automated external defibrillator can arrive within moments. Follow the 2025 AHA adult BLS and ALS sequence.

## Key concepts

- **Agonal Breathing** — Abnormal gasping that is not normal breathing and can occur during cardiac arrest.
- **Compression Fraction** — The proportion of resuscitation time during which chest compressions are being delivered.
- **Defibrillation** — An unsynchronized shock used to terminate ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

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