A confused 60-year-old female had a syncopal episode. The appropriate action when the pulse is present and rhythm is bradycardic (pulse matches EKG) is to?

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The scenario tests how to manage symptomatic bradycardia with a pulse and poor perfusion. When a patient is bradycardic and has syncope, the priority is to increase the heart rate to improve cerebral and systemic perfusion. External transcutaneous pacing provides immediate rate support and can stabilize the patient quickly while you address underlying causes or administer other therapies as indicated.

Defibrillation is not appropriate here because there is a pulse and the rhythm is bradycardic, not a shockable arrest rhythm. Aspirin would treat suspected coronary issues but does not address the bradycardia or the syncope. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for this presentation. Begin pacing to restore adequate heart rate and perfusion.