Which term describes shocking the heart to restart it or reset an abnormal rhythm?

Prepare for the Cardiovascular Disorders and Treatment Test with engaging multiple choice questions, comprehensive flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and confidence for exam success!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes shocking the heart to restart it or reset an abnormal rhythm?

Explanation:
Defibrillation is the electric shock delivered to the heart to reset its rhythm and restart a heartbeat when a life‑threatening arrhythmia occurs. By depolarizing a large portion of the heart muscle at once, it briefly halts chaotic electrical activity, allowing the heart’s natural pacemaker to reestablish a normal rhythm. This is done with an AED or defibrillator in emergencies when there is ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The other descriptions refer to the rhythm itself, a clot, or breathing trouble, none of which describe the act of delivering an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

Defibrillation is the electric shock delivered to the heart to reset its rhythm and restart a heartbeat when a life‑threatening arrhythmia occurs. By depolarizing a large portion of the heart muscle at once, it briefly halts chaotic electrical activity, allowing the heart’s natural pacemaker to reestablish a normal rhythm. This is done with an AED or defibrillator in emergencies when there is ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The other descriptions refer to the rhythm itself, a clot, or breathing trouble, none of which describe the act of delivering an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy