A 24-year-old woman was struck by lightning. Bystanders moved the patient to an area of safety but did not provide any other care before your arrival. Your primary assessment reveals that the patient is pulseless and apneic. You begin CPR and apply the cardiac monitor, which reveals asystole. After requesting a backup paramedic unit, the MOST appropriate treatment for this patient involves:
A) instructing your partner to resume one-rescuer CPR, establishing an IV of normal saline, and reassessing her cardiac rhythm in 5 minutes.
B) continuing CPR, providing full spinal precautions, intubating her trachea, and ventilating her at a rate of 20 to 24 breaths per minute.
C) performing adequate BLS, following standard ACLS protocol, and considering terminating your efforts if asystole persists after 10 minutes.
D) continuing CPR, protecting her spine while ventilating, reassessing her cardiac rhythm after 2 minutes of CPR, and defibrillating if necessary.
Answer: D) continuing CPR, protecting her spine while ventilating, reassessing her cardiac rhythm after 2 minutes of CPR, and defibrillating if necessary.
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