1. Defibrillation
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2. OBJECTIVE 1. Define defibrillation.
2. State the purpose of defibrillation.
3. Describe the mechanism of defibrillation.
4. Identify the equipment used in defibrillation and
its preparation
5. Demonstrates the procedure of defibrillation
6. Identify the precautions to be observe in
defibrillation.
7. Describe the complications associated with
8. Describe the care after defibrillation
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3. Defibrillation
Definition:
Defibrillation is a process in which an electronic device sends an electric shock to the heart to stop an extremely rapid, irregular heartbeat, and restore the normal heart rhythm.
10/24/2017

4. 10/24/2017

5. Defibrillation
Purpose:
Defibrillation is performed to correct life-threatening fibrillations of the heart, which could result in cardiac arrest. It should be performed immediately after identifying that the patient is experiencing a cardiac emergency, has no pulse, and is unresponsive.
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6. Defibrillation
Precautions:
1. Defibrillation should not be performed on a patient who has a pulse or is alert, as this could cause a lethal heart rhythm disturbance or cardiac arrest.
2. The paddles used in the procedure should
not be placed on a woman's breasts or over
a pacemaker
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7. Defibrillation
Mechanism:
Fibrillations cause the heart to stop pumping blood, leading to brain damage.
Defibrillators deliver a brief electric shock to the heart, which enables the heart's natural pacemaker to regain control and establish a normal heart rhythm.
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8. Defibrillation Preparation:
After help is called for, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is begun and continued until the caregivers arrive and set up the defibrillator.
Electrocardiogram leads are attached to the patient's chest.
Gel or paste is applied to the defibrillator paddles, or two gel pads are placed on the patient's chest.
The caregivers verify lack of a pulse.
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9. Defibrillation Care after defibrillation:
The patient's cardiac status, breathing, and vital signs are monitored until he or she is stable.
An electrocardiogram and chest x ray are taken.
The patient's skin is cleansed to remove gel or paste, and, if necessary, ointment is applied to burns.
An intravenous line provides additional medication, as needed.
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10. Defibrillation
Complications:
Skin burns from the defibrillator paddles are the most common complication of defibrillation.
Other risks include injury to the heart muscle, abnormal heart rhythms, and blood clots.
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11. Defibrillation PROCEDURE FOR DEFIBRILLATION:
Provided by nursing staff that are certified to perform defibrillation.
The success of resuscitation of patients with ventricular fibrillation relates to how fast electrical defibrillation can be applied.
The longer the duration of fibrillation, the greater the deterioration of the myocardium, because a fibrillating heart consumes a very large amount of oxygen.
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