What immediate action should you take if a patient in cardiac arrest remains unresponsive after defibrillation?

When a patient in cardiac arrest remains unresponsive after defibrillation, the immediate action of continuing CPR for two minutes is crucial. This is because high-quality chest compressions are vital for maintaining circulation and oxygenation to vital organs. Following defibrillation, there is often a need to allow time for the heart to potentially regain a normal rhythm and for the patient’s body to react.

Continuing CPR ensures that blood flow is maintained as you assess the effectiveness of the defibrillation. Each cycle of CPR should last approximately two minutes before reassessing the patient. This protocol aligns with the guidelines that emphasize the importance of high-quality chest compressions in improving survival rates.

Other options, while important in their own contexts, do not address the immediate need for circulation and oxygenation in a life-threatening situation. Administering intravenous fluids or checking for a medical ID bracelet could be relevant later, but they do not provide the urgent intervention needed right after defibrillation when the patient is still unresponsive.