Question

Which of the following interventions is a part of the Cardiac Arrest (Pulseless), Shockable Algorithm according to the American Heart Association guidelines?

A) Administering intravenous antibiotics.
B) Initiating high-flow oxygen therapy.
C) Performing defibrillation to restore a normal heart rhythm.
D) Prescribing oral medications to stabilize blood pressure.

Answer 1

Performing defibrillation is part of the Cardiac Arrest (Pulseless), Shockable Algorithm to restore a normal heart rhythm. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are used for this purpose and can be found in many public places.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the interventions listed, the one that is a part of the Cardiac Arrest (Pulseless), Shockable Algorithm according to the American Heart Association guidelines is C) Performing defibrillation to restore a normal heart rhythm. During a cardiac arrest, if the heart's electrical activity is severely disrupted leading to ventricular fibrillation, a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, immediate life support is needed. Administering a large shock of electrical energy through defibrillation can terminate this arrhythmia and allow the body's natural pacemaker to resume a normal rhythm. Defibrillators, particularly Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), are deployed in many public places and can be operated by laypersons to save lives in case of such emergencies. AEDs diagnose the heart condition and automatically apply the shock with appropriate energy and waveform.