NCLEX-RN® question of the day

In the ED resuscitation bay, a 68-year-old man collapses at the nurses station after reporting crushing chest pain. The monitor shows a wide, irregular rhythm with no discernible P waves at a rate of 220 bpm. He is unresponsive and has no palpable carotid pulse. The code team arrives and CPR is already in progress by the bedside nurse. Which action should the nurse anticipate as the priority intervention for this rhythm?

1. AGive adenosine 6 mg IV push rapidly
2. BAdminister synchronized cardioversion
3. CPrepare for transcutaneous pacing
4. DPrepare for immediate defibrillation