What is the recommended immediate response for ventricular fibrillation?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Perform CPR, attach the AED, and call 911
• C. Provide oxygen and monitor only
• D. Ignore and continue procedure

Answer: (B)

Ventricular fibrillation causes the heart to quiver and stop effectively pumping blood, so the priority is to restore a normal rhythm while maintaining circulation. The recommended immediate response is to start CPR right away, attach the AED as soon as possible, and call 911 so professional help can arrive. CPR provides essential blood flow to vital organs while the AED analyzes the rhythm and delivers a shock if indicated, which can stop the chaotic rhythm and allow the heart to restart with a normal beat. Oxygen and monitoring don’t address the underlying life-threatening rhythm, antibiotics are not relevant here, and ignoring the situation would be dangerous.