Which statement reflects CPR considerations in pregnancy regarding defibrillation timing?

Which statement reflects CPR considerations in pregnancy regarding defibrillation timing?

• A. Defibrillation should not be delayed
• B. Defibrillation should be delayed until after delivery
• C. Defibrillation is contraindicated
• D. Defibrillation is optional

Answer: (A)

In CPR for a pregnant patient, the priority is to treat the patient who is in cardiac arrest as you would any adult. If the heart rhythm is shockable (such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia), deliver defibrillation as soon as possible. The pregnancy itself does not justify delaying a shock, and defibrillation is not contraindicated or optional because of pregnancy. Energy and pad placement follow standard adult guidelines. (If you’re managing CPR in late pregnancy, you may perform left uterine displacement to improve chest compression effectiveness, but this should not cause any delay in delivering a shock.) Therefore, the correct approach is to defibrillate immediately rather than waiting for delivery or taking other delays.

In CPR for a pregnant patient, the priority is to treat the patient who is in cardiac arrest as you would any adult. If the heart rhythm is shockable (such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia), deliver defibrillation as soon as possible. The pregnancy itself does not justify delaying a shock, and defibrillation is not contraindicated or optional because of pregnancy. Energy and pad placement follow standard adult guidelines. (If you’re managing CPR in late pregnancy, you may perform left uterine displacement to improve chest compression effectiveness, but this should not cause any delay in delivering a shock.) Therefore, the correct approach is to defibrillate immediately rather than waiting for delivery or taking other delays.