CPR alone may not save the life of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. What else is needed?

• A. Defibrillation before CPR
• B. Oxygen therapy
• C. Early defibrillation
• D. Medication administration

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that in sudden cardiac arrest caused by a shockable rhythm, restoring a normal heart rhythm as quickly as possible is crucial. CPR keeps blood flowing and buys time, but it doesn’t correct the electrical problem. Delivering a defibrillating shock can interrupt the chaotic rhythm (like ventricular fibrillation) and allow the heart to resume a normal rhythm. The sooner this shock is given, the higher the chance of survival and good neurologic outcome, because survival drops rapidly with each minute without defibrillation. Oxygen therapy and medications are supportive and help after circulation is restored, but they don’t address the immediate life-threatening rhythm as effectively as early defibrillation.