What is the primary purpose of a defibrillator in cardiac emergencies?

What is the primary purpose of a defibrillator in cardiac emergencies?

• A. To monitor heart activity
• B. To restore a normal heart rhythm
• C. To deliver medication to the patient
• D. To provide oxygen to the patient

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of a defibrillator in cardiac emergencies is to restore a normal heart rhythm. When a person experiences certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, the heart cannot pump blood effectively, and immediate action is required to correct the rhythm. A defibrillator delivers a controlled electrical shock to the heart, which can reset the heart's electrical system, allowing it to resume a normal rhythm and restore effective circulation. This intervention is critical in increasing the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. In contrast, other options do not align with the primary function of a defibrillator. Monitoring heart activity is typically performed by an electrocardiogram (ECG) or other cardiac monitoring devices. Delivering medication and providing oxygen, while important components of advanced cardiac life support, are not the direct actions of a defibrillator. Thus, the vital role of a defibrillator is to correct life-threatening arrhythmias by restoring normal heart rhythm.

The primary purpose of a defibrillator in cardiac emergencies is to restore a normal heart rhythm. When a person experiences certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, the heart cannot pump blood effectively, and immediate action is required to correct the rhythm. A defibrillator delivers a controlled electrical shock to the heart, which can reset the heart's electrical system, allowing it to resume a normal rhythm and restore effective circulation. This intervention is critical in increasing the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

In contrast, other options do not align with the primary function of a defibrillator. Monitoring heart activity is typically performed by an electrocardiogram (ECG) or other cardiac monitoring devices. Delivering medication and providing oxygen, while important components of advanced cardiac life support, are not the direct actions of a defibrillator. Thus, the vital role of a defibrillator is to correct life-threatening arrhythmias by restoring normal heart rhythm.