In suspected cardiac arrest, when is defibrillation indicated?

In suspected cardiac arrest, when is defibrillation indicated?

• A. Defibrillate only if a shockable rhythm is detected and advised by the monitor
• B. Immediately before starting CPR
• C. After hospital arrival
• D. Never use a defibrillator in the field

Answer: (A)

Defibrillation should be used only when the monitor detects a shockable rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. These rhythms are caused by chaotic electrical activity, and a large electrical shock can “reset” the heart’s rhythm, giving a chance for a perfusing rhythm to return. If the rhythm is not shockable—like asystole or pulseless electrical activity—defibrillation isn’t effective, so the focus is on high-quality CPR and other treatments per protocol. In practice, you wait for the monitor to analyze and advise a shock; if a shock is advised, deliver it promptly, then resume CPR and recheck. This ensures shocks are given only when they can help and avoids unnecessary shocks in non-shockable rhythms.

Defibrillation should be used only when the monitor detects a shockable rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. These rhythms are caused by chaotic electrical activity, and a large electrical shock can “reset” the heart’s rhythm, giving a chance for a perfusing rhythm to return. If the rhythm is not shockable—like asystole or pulseless electrical activity—defibrillation isn’t effective, so the focus is on high-quality CPR and other treatments per protocol. In practice, you wait for the monitor to analyze and advise a shock; if a shock is advised, deliver it promptly, then resume CPR and recheck. This ensures shocks are given only when they can help and avoids unnecessary shocks in non-shockable rhythms.