What should be your response for a 79-year-old female in cardiac arrest?

In the case of a 79-year-old female in cardiac arrest, initiating CPR immediately is crucial. Rescue CPR involves high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths, which help maintain circulation and oxygenation until advanced medical assistance arrives. For a patient in cardiac arrest, the priority is to start CPR as quickly as possible to increase the chances of survival, given that the heart is not effectively pumping blood.

Focusing on high-quality chest compressions can help restore a perfusion pressure in the absence of a functional heartbeat. This is particularly important for elderly patients, who may have a low chance of survival if immediate CPR is not initiated. It is recommended to perform rescue CPR continuously for an extended period, typically until a defibrillator is available or advanced medical help arrives.

The other choices, while relevant in certain emergency contexts, are secondary in a situation where immediate chest compressions are needed. Defibrillation is also important but presupposes that the rhythm is shockable; thus, it does not take precedence over starting CPR. Establishing IV access and advanced airway management can be vital aspects of resuscitation but should follow the initiation of CPR. The primary objective in a cardiac arrest scenario remains to provide sufficient circulation and oxygenation through immediate resuscitative