Question

Prolonged VF and prolonged pulseless VT are associated with a grave prognosis if left untreated, and are accompanied by severe metabolic derangements. However, good-quality BLS can delay these derangements and significantly improve the prognosis, even if the CPA persists for longer than 10 minutes.

Answer 1

Prolonged VF and pulseless VT have a serious prognosis if left untreated, but good-quality BLS can improve the outcome. Defibrillation is a common treatment for these conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prolonged VF (ventricular fibrillation) and prolonged pulseless VT (ventricular tachycardia) are serious conditions that can have a poor prognosis if left untreated. They are associated with severe metabolic derangements. However, good-quality Basic Life Support (BLS) can delay these derangements and significantly improve the prognosis, even if the cardiac arrest persists for longer than 10 minutes.

During VF or pulseless VT, the heart beats abnormally and is unable to effectively pump blood. This can lead to brain death if not treated promptly. Defibrillation, which involves applying an electrical shock to the heart, is the most common treatment. External Automated Defibrillators (EADs) are being placed in public areas to enable nonmedical personnel to attempt life-saving defibrillation.