What is a critical action to take immediately after delivering a shock with the AED?

The critical action to take immediately after delivering a shock with the AED is to start chest compressions immediately. This is important because high-quality chest compressions are essential for maintaining blood circulation to vital organs, especially the heart and brain, following a shock. After the shock is delivered, there may still be a need to re-establish a perfusing rhythm in the heart. Chest compressions provide necessary blood flow and oxygen to the patient's tissues during this critical period, enhancing the chances of successful resuscitation.

While it is important to clear the patient for safety before delivering a shock, once a shock has been administered, the priority shifts to providing compressions. Waiting for rhythm analysis to finish is not necessary after a shock, and administering oxygen is typically not an immediate post-shock action on its own; effective compressions and ensuring high-quality CPR are paramount in the moments that follow shock delivery.