A client's telemetry monitor indicates ventricular fibrillation (VF). Which should the nurse do first?

Rationale: A. Administer epinephrine IV: Epinephrine is given after the first unsuccessful defibrillation attempt during cardiac arrest management. It enhances coronary and cerebral perfusion pressures, but it is not the initial intervention when ventricular fibrillation is first identified. B. Provide immediate defibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is a pulseless, life-threatening rhythm that requires immediate defibrillation to restore an organized cardiac rhythm. Early defibrillation within minutes of onset greatly increases the chance of survival and successful resuscitation. C. Prepare for synchronized cardioversion: Synchronized cardioversion is used for organized tachyarrhythmias such as supraventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation with a pulse. It is inappropriate for ventricular fibrillation because there is no coordinated electrical activity to synchronize with. D. Give an IV bolus of amiodarone: Amiodarone is administered after defibrillation and epinephrine if VF persists. It stabilizes the cardiac membrane and reduces recurrent dysrhythmias, but drug therapy follows defibrillation in the resuscitation sequence.