If a patient is responsive, they must have adequate cerebral perfusion, meaning a pulse is present—even if it is difficult to palpate. NREMT guidelines emphasize that EMTs should not assume cardiac arrest based solely on an inability to feel a pulse.

Option C is correct because the EMT should continue the primary assessment, reassessing airway, breathing, and circulation using additional indicators such as skin condition, mental status, and breathing quality.

Option A is incorrect because CPR is only initiated in unresponsive, pulseless patients.

Option B is incorrect because AED use is indicated only for unresponsive, pulseless patients.

Option D may be appropriate later for shock but does not address the assessment discrepancy.

NREMT teaches that patient responsiveness is a reliable indicator of circulation and that EMTs must avoid unnecessary resuscitative interventions.