What should you do after delivering a shock to a 7-year-old child in cardiac arrest?

After delivering a shock to a child in cardiac arrest, the immediate next step is to perform CPR. This is critical because administering a shock aims to restore a normal heart rhythm, but in the event that it is unsuccessful, effective chest compressions are essential to provide circulation and oxygenation to vital organs. CPR helps maintain blood flow to the heart and brain until a normal rhythm can be restored either spontaneously or through further medical intervention.

The rationale for performing CPR following defibrillation is grounded in guidelines established by organizations such as the American Heart Association. For pediatric patients, it is especially important to maintain circulation and to continue high-quality compressions until the child is revived or advanced lifesaving measures are available.

Other actions, such as assessing for a carotid pulse, reanalyzing the cardiac rhythm, or opening the airway and ventilating, may be considered after a proper series of compressions have been initiated and continued. However, the pivotal action immediately following defibrillation is to start CPR to maximize the chances of survival.