What is the primary function of a defibrillator?

What is the primary function of a defibrillator?

• A. To monitor heart rates without intervention
• B. To assist in patient breathing
• C. To restore a normal heartbeat by delivering an electric shock
• D. To provide medication directly into the bloodstream

Answer: (C)

The primary function of a defibrillator is to restore a normal heartbeat by delivering an electric shock. This device is crucial in emergency situations where a patient is experiencing life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. When these conditions occur, the heart's electrical system becomes chaotic, preventing effective blood circulation. The defibrillator provides a controlled electric shock to the heart, allowing it to reset and potentially return to a normal rhythm. The other choices do not accurately describe the function of a defibrillator. Monitoring heart rates without intervention pertains to devices like bedside monitors or telemetry systems, which track cardiac activity but do not actively correct arrhythmias. Assisting in patient breathing is the role of ventilators or oxygen delivery systems, which support respiratory function rather than cardiac rhythm. Providing medication directly into the bloodstream is a function associated with infusion pumps or intravenous (IV) delivery systems, not defibrillators. Understanding the specific role of defibrillators is essential for biomedical equipment technicians, as they play a critical role in resuscitation and emergency cardiac care.

The primary function of a defibrillator is to restore a normal heartbeat by delivering an electric shock. This device is crucial in emergency situations where a patient is experiencing life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. When these conditions occur, the heart's electrical system becomes chaotic, preventing effective blood circulation. The defibrillator provides a controlled electric shock to the heart, allowing it to reset and potentially return to a normal rhythm.

The other choices do not accurately describe the function of a defibrillator. Monitoring heart rates without intervention pertains to devices like bedside monitors or telemetry systems, which track cardiac activity but do not actively correct arrhythmias. Assisting in patient breathing is the role of ventilators or oxygen delivery systems, which support respiratory function rather than cardiac rhythm. Providing medication directly into the bloodstream is a function associated with infusion pumps or intravenous (IV) delivery systems, not defibrillators. Understanding the specific role of defibrillators is essential for biomedical equipment technicians, as they play a critical role in resuscitation and emergency cardiac care.