When monitoring the rhythm on the defibrillator, what is the immediate action to take if there is no pulse?

The immediate action to take when there is no pulse is to assess the patient's airway. This is crucial because if a patient is found to be unresponsive and pulseless, ensuring an open airway is essential for effective rescue breathing and ventilation. Airway management must be prioritized to facilitate oxygen delivery to the lungs and ensure that if cardiac compressions or defibrillation is performed, the oxygen-rich blood can be circulated effectively throughout the body.

In the context of cardiac arrest, securing the airway is fundamental before proceeding with other interventions like delivering a shock or administering medications. If the airway is obstructed or inadequate, subsequent actions may not be effective in resuscitating the patient. Thus, assessing and securing the airway is the first step in the chain of survival during a cardiac arrest scenario.

While delivering a shock is a critical component of managing a shockable rhythm, it must follow ensuring that the patient is receiving adequate ventilation. Similarly, checking blood pressure or administering sedatives is not immediately relevant in the face of no pulse and indicates a lack of direct interventional benefit in that critical moment.