For a patient with a total artificial heart (TAH), what should you do during BLS?

• A. Contact BH for instructions
• B. Provide only oxygen
• C. Defibrillate immediately
• D. Stop CPR and wait for medical team

Answer: (A)

Managing a patient with a total artificial heart requires device-specific guidance before applying standard BLS maneuvers. The TAH changes how blood is circulated and can make chest compressions or certain defibrillation approaches unsafe or inappropriate unless the base hospital provides explicit instructions. Reaching out to the base hospital ensures you get real-time, device-specific directions on what resuscitation steps are safe and indicated, and how to proceed while awaiting advanced care. Meanwhile, continue supportive care: ensure a patent airway and deliver oxygen as needed, monitor the patient closely, and prepare for rapid transport. The base hospital may direct you to continue, modify, or withhold certain actions based on the device and the patient’s status.