Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What is defibrillation?

A process of natural heart rhythm restoration
The application of an electric shock to restore normal cardiac rhythm
A type of medication to slow the heart rate
A surgical procedure to replace heart valves

The correct answer is: The application of an electric shock to restore normal cardiac rhythm

Defibrillation is defined as the application of an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal cardiac rhythm in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias. When the heart experiences conditions such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, the electrical signals in the heart become disorganized, causing the heart to stop effectively pumping blood. By delivering a controlled electric shock through an external defibrillator, the aim is to reset the heart’s electrical system, allowing it to resume its normal rhythmic contractions. Other options do not accurately describe defibrillation. The first choice refers more to natural mechanisms of the body attempting to correct heart rhythm without external intervention. The third option describes medication that may slow the heart rate rather than restore rhythm through electrical stimulation. The fourth option pertains to surgical procedures related to heart valves, which is unrelated to the concept of defibrillation. Understanding defibrillation is critical for patient care technicians, as they may be involved in emergency situations where this life-saving technique is necessary.