What is the characteristic sign of ventricular fibrillation (vfib)?

• A. Stable heart beats
• B. Ventricular contractions present
• C. Ventricles fibrillate chaotically
• D. Normal sinus rhythm

Answer: (C)

Ventricular fibrillation (vfib) is characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles, which leads to ineffective and uncoordinated contractions. This chaotic activity prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively, resulting in a lack of a coherent heartbeat or pulse. In vfib, the ventricles do not contract in a synchronized manner, leading to a rapid and erratic heart rhythm that is life-threatening. Unlike stable heart beats or normal sinus rhythm, vfib presents with a disorganized pattern where the electrical impulses disrupt the normal function of the heart, which is why the presence of chaotic ventricular activity is the key sign of this condition.

Recognizing vfib is critical because it requires immediate medical intervention, usually in the form of defibrillation, to restore a normal rhythm and effective cardiac output. This understanding is crucial for anyone involved in emergency medical response or cardiac care.