WHAT IS WRONG WITH EKG-TREATMENT OF VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION

Updated 1/25

Dear nurses,

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Ventricular Fibrillation is a lethal rhythm.
Its hallmark is no pulse, no heart contractions
and a chaotic EKG rhythm,which is demonstrated
above.

There is also no atrial activity. The ventricles are
quivering , so there is no cardiac output. The patient
may become unresponsive. Immediate action to
defibrillate is usually done.

***American Heart Association has protocols in
place for each EKG rhythm.

Causes and Treatment of Ventricular Fibrillation
are outlined above.

For more information, please click on the links below:

Chest pain and the EKG
Clinical Scenarios and Quizzes

The image above shows a Code blue in progress. This is 
happening in the emergency Room. Always follow your

Institution's policies and procedures for Code Blue. 

What is the role of the nurse who is assigned to the Code Blue?

The nurse has an important role in effective communication.
There are many responsibilities.

- staying calm in a chaotic situation
- giving clear instructions to coworkers
- ensuring that MD orders are conveyed correctly

- proper documentation of vital signs and all treatments /
  interventions that take place ( defibrillation for example)
  - the nurse becomes the " binding force.