If a patient is in cardiac arrest and regains a pulse, what is the priority action?

The priority action when a patient in cardiac arrest regains a pulse is to begin immediate transport. This action is crucial because regaining a pulse indicates that the heart is beating again, but it does not necessarily mean that the patient is stable. The risk of a secondary cardiac arrest remains high, so prompt transport to a hospital is essential to ensure that the patient receives advanced medical care.

While monitoring vital signs is important during this phase, it should be performed en route to the hospital, as the patient must be stabilized and treated by healthcare professionals at a medical facility. Starting CPR again is not appropriate unless the patient loses the pulse again, and keeping the patient calm is helpful but does not address the immediate need for advanced care. Prompt transport ensures that the patient receives necessary interventions that could help sustain the regained pulse and improve outcomes.