Ventricular Fibrillation

 Ventricular Fibrillation - is rapid, ineffective quivering of ventricles that

 may be rapidly fatal. This arrhythmia has the following characteristics:

A. Rate is rapid and uncoordinated, with ineffective motions.

B. P wave is not seen.

C. PR interval is not seen.

D. QRS complex is seen as an undulation with no specific pattern.

E. Conduction is unorganized, with many foci firing at once.

F. Rhythm is irregular without a pattern.

 Etiology. The cause of ventricular fibrillation is most commonly myocardial ischemia or infarction.
It also mat result from untreated ventricular tachycardia, electrolyte imbalances( e.g.,
hypokalemia and hypercalcemia), Digoxin or quinidine toxicity, or hypothermia.

 Assessment Findings:

A. Loss of consciousness

B. Pulselessness

C. Loss of blood pressure

D. Cessation of respirations

E. Possible seizures

F. Sudden death

 Nursing Management

A. Assist with defibrillation and CPR.

B. Administer prescribed antiarrhythmic medications.

C. Automated external devices are being placed in many stores, airlines, organizations, and
nonacute care settings. These devices have defibrillator pads that are placed on the client’s
chest and when the device detects ventricular fibrilllation it shocks the client automatically. This
device is being used by many laypersons with success.