When is a defibrillator indicated in cardiac arrest?

When is a defibrillator indicated in cardiac arrest?

• A. For a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) as soon as available
• B. Only after ten minutes of CPR
• C. Only if ROSC occurs
• D. For non-shockable rhythms

Answer: (D)

Defibrillation is used only when the heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is shockable, meaning ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. In those situations, deliver the shock as soon as a defibrillator is available—any delay lowers the chance of survival. Non-shockable rhythms like asystole or pulseless electrical activity do not benefit from defibrillation, so it isn’t indicated there. It isn’t something you wait for after a fixed CPR duration, nor is it something done only if ROSC occurs; you apply defibrillation during the arrest when a shockable rhythm is present, and once ROSC is achieved you shift to post-arrest care rather than continuing shocks.

Defibrillation is used only when the heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is shockable, meaning ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. In those situations, deliver the shock as soon as a defibrillator is available—any delay lowers the chance of survival. Non-shockable rhythms like asystole or pulseless electrical activity do not benefit from defibrillation, so it isn’t indicated there. It isn’t something you wait for after a fixed CPR duration, nor is it something done only if ROSC occurs; you apply defibrillation during the arrest when a shockable rhythm is present, and once ROSC is achieved you shift to post-arrest care rather than continuing shocks.