During defibrillator charging, what is the recommended action?

• A. Pause chest compressions to check rhythm
• B. Deliver a shock immediately
• C. Assess blood pressure
• D. Continue CPR

Answer: (D)

Maintaining blood flow is the priority in cardiac arrest. While the defibrillator is charging, continue high-quality chest compressions so perfusion to brain and heart doesn’t drop. Interrupting compressions during charging would create no-flow time, which lowers the chances of survival. The device will deliver the shock when ready, and you can resume CPR immediately after. Checking blood pressure or pausing to analyze rhythm manually offers no practical benefit during this phase and would only delay ongoing compressions.