Your Patient Is a 73-Year-Old Man Who Is Sitting in a Recliner

Multiple Choice

Your patient is a 73-year-old man who is sitting in a recliner, cyanotic, pulseless, and apneic. The patient's skin is cool and dry. The patient's wife last saw him an hour and a half ago. Which of the following should you do first?

A) Check for rigor mortis.
B) Start CPR.
C) Attach the monitor/defibrillator.
D) Inform the patient's wife that he is dead and nothing can be done for him.