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Which dysrhythmias would defibrillation be most appropriate for?

a) Atrial fibrillation
b) Ventricular tachycardia
c) Sinus bradycardia
d) Premature atrial contractions

User Marczellm
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Defibrillation is most appropriate for ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, which are serious conditions that disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart's main pumping chambers. Atrial fibrillation, sinus bradycardia, and premature atrial contractions do not typically require defibrillation. External automated defibrillators (EADs) can be used by nonmedical personnel to treat these emergencies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Defibrillation is most appropriate for conditions where the heart shows an erratic rhythm that prevents effective pumping. Specifically, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia are the dysrhythmias where defibrillation is most effective. This is because these conditions imply that the ventricles, the main pumping chambers of the heart, are not working correctly. In contrast, atrial fibrillation may not immediately endanger life as long as the ventricles continue to pump blood, sinus bradycardia is a slow heartbeat which doesn't typically require defibrillation, and premature atrial contractions are extra, abnormal heartbeats that also generally do not necessitate defibrillation. External automated defibrillators (EADs) are devices designed for public use to assist during cardiac emergencies. They provide simple instructions that enable nonmedical personnel to attempt to reestablish a normal sinus rhythm in someone experiencing ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

User Greg Domjan
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