Defibrillator is used in situation of?

Appeared in: BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

A defibrillator is used in cardiac arrest, which is the sudden cessation of heart function.
Its primary purpose is to correct life-threatening, 'shockable' heart rhythms, specifically Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) and Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (pVT).
The device delivers an electrical shock to the myocardium to stop all chaotic electrical activity, allowing the heart's natural pacemaker to potentially resume a normal rhythm.
Early defibrillation is a critical link in the 'Chain of Survival' for victims of cardiac arrest.

Option B: Respiratory arrest is the cessation of breathing. The primary treatment is airway management and ventilation (e.g., bag-valve-mask or mechanical ventilation), not electrical shocks.
Option C: Shock is a state of circulatory failure causing inadequate tissue perfusion. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, such as fluid resuscitation for hypovolemia or vasopressors to increase blood pressure.
Option D: Peritonitis is inflammation and infection of the abdominal lining. It is a septic condition treated with antibiotics and potentially surgery. It has no direct indication for cardiac defibrillation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indications for Defibrillation in Emergency Care as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The nurse's role in a cardiac arrest is to quickly recognize the situation, call for help, initiate high-quality CPR, and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator as soon as it is available.
For every minute that defibrillation is delayed in a patient with VF/pVT, the chance of survival decreases by about 7-10%.
Patient safety during defibrillation is paramount. The nurse must ensure everyone is 'clear' of the patient and the bed before delivering a shock to prevent injury to the resuscitation team.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'defibrillator'.
Recall the primary function of this piece of medical equipment. A defibrillator is used to deliver an electrical shock to the heart.
Think about why the heart would need an electrical shock. This is to correct a fatal, chaotic electrical rhythm.
Evaluate each option: 'Cardiac arrest' is a condition often caused by such rhythms. 'Respiratory arrest' is a breathing problem. 'Shock' is a circulation problem. 'Peritonitis' is an infection.
Conclude that cardiac arrest is the most direct and appropriate situation for using a defibrillator.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 5 p. 7-9

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 477-479

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