During cardiac arrest management, which of the following is a crucial step after establishing airway patency?

In the context of cardiac arrest management, after ensuring that the airway is open and clear, the most critical next step is to begin chest compressions. This step is vital because effective chest compressions help to maintain blood flow to the vital organs, particularly the heart and brain, during cardiac arrest. They provide a mechanical form of circulation which is essential since the heart is not pumping blood effectively on its own.

Starting chest compressions immediately after confirming the airway is open ensures that the chances of survival improve significantly. Fast and effective compressions can help stabilize the patient while other interventions, such as medication administration and defibrillation, are prepared and carried out.

The other options, while important to cardiac arrest management, do not take precedence immediately after securing the airway. Checking the pulse is less effective and may not give a useful indication during an emergency situation. Assessing breathing is redundant during cardiac arrest, as the patient will be unresponsive and not breathing normally. Administering epinephrine is a crucial part of the management sequence, but it is generally done after chest compressions have been initiated and some time has elapsed since the arrest began. This prioritization is aligned with current resuscitation guidelines that emphasize the importance of immediate chest compressions in the chain