Relias Dysrhythmia Basic A Practice Test

In the case of sustained ventricular fibrillation, the immediate priority is to restore a normal heart rhythm and ensure effective circulation. Immediate CPR, coupled with defibrillation, is recognized as a critical intervention. CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, while defibrillation delivers an electrical shock to the heart that can potentially reverse the erratic rhythm, allowing the heart to regain a normal cadence. This combined approach is crucial because ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening condition that leads to a lack of effective heartbeats, resulting in cardiac arrest if not addressed promptly.

While administering anti-arrhythmic medications and providing oxygen are important components of post-resuscitation care, they are not the initial steps taken during an active emergency situation like sustained ventricular fibrillation. Assessing the patient’s medication history can be relevant for ongoing management but does not take precedence when immediate action is required. Monitoring vital signs is also essential, but without the restoration of a viable heart rhythm through CPR and defibrillation, the patient's chances of survival decrease significantly.