Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) Lecture Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, characteristics, causes, and emergency interventions for Ventricular Fibrillation as presented in the Critical Care BCIT materials.

Ventricular Fibrillation (VF or V-fib)

A lethal arrhythmia where the heart’s electrical activity is chaotic, irregular, and disorganized, causing the ventricles to quiver rather than contracting, which leads to no effective cardiac output or pulse.

Myocardial ischemia

The main cause of Ventricular Fibrillation.

Secondary causes of VF

Dig toxicity, electrolyte imbalance, and acid base imbalances.

VF Conduction Problem

The site of impulse formation is the ventricular tissue.

VF ECG Rate and Rhythm

The rate is unable to determine and the rhythm is chaotic.

VF P Wave, PR Interval, and QRS Complex

These components are N/A or not measurable, with no discernible complexes or waveforms.

VF Oxygen Supply and Demand Implications

In VF there is no organized depolarization of the ventricles and therefore no CO, creating an emergency situation.

VF Interventions

Call a code and begin CPR, insert IV, provide $O_2$, and intubate. Early defibrillator use is required.

Epinephrine

A drug anticipated for use during the treatment of VF according to the ACLS guidelines/algorithm.

Small box method variance

A variance of $+/– 5\,\text{beats}$ for heart rate and $+/– 0.04$ for PRI, QRS, and QTI.

Ruler method

An ECG analysis technique used to determine heart rates.

Calipers

A tool used in ECG analysis to determine regularity.