Ventricular fibrillation leads to which outcome if untreated?

• A. Cardiac arrest
• B. Normal recovery
• C. Stable arrhythmia
• D. Gradual improvement

Answer: (A)

Ventricular fibrillation is a critical and life-threatening heart rhythm disturbance where the ventricles quiver ineffectively instead of contracting properly. This disorganized electrical activity prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively, leading to a rapid decline in blood circulation to vital organs. If left untreated, ventricular fibrillation will result in cardiac arrest because the heart cannot maintain a stable rhythm or sufficient cardiac output. Without immediate intervention, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or defibrillation, the individual will become unresponsive and will suffer irreversible damage due to lack of blood flow, ultimately leading to death.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of untreated ventricular fibrillation. A normal recovery would imply that the heart resumes its normal rhythm without intervention, which is not the case. Similarly, stable arrhythmia would suggest a manageable heart rhythm that does not pose immediate danger, and gradual improvement would indicate that the condition is becoming less severe over time, which is also unrealistic in the scenario of ventricular fibrillation.