What should be monitored after a shock is delivered by an AED?

After a shock is delivered by an AED, the most critical step is to monitor the heart rhythm to assess for the presence of a pulse. The primary purpose of the AED is to treat life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. After the shock, checking the rhythm can determine whether the heart has returned to a normal rhythm and whether it is generating an effective pulse. If a normal rhythm is established, this indicates that the heart may be capable of pumping blood effectively again.

Monitoring the rhythm is crucial because, even after delivering a shock, it's possible that the heart may remain in an ineffective rhythm or may go back into a shockable rhythm, necessitating further intervention. Identifying a pulse or the return of effective circulation will guide subsequent treatment decisions, including potential resuscitation efforts or further defibrillation if necessary.