Ventricular Fibrillation

In this lesson, we are going to discuss ventricular fibrillation, or v-fib, and identify some causes and risk factors for developing this cardiac dysrhythmia.  We are going to review signs and symptoms along with the easy to recognize appearance of ventricular fibrillation on a cardiac rhythm strip. Finally, we will discuss priority nursing interventions and medical treatments along with potential complications of this emergent, potentially life threatening cardiac dysrhythmia.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Review the electrical pathway through the heart
2. Recognize ventricular fibrillation on a rhythm strip
3. Recap causes and risk factors for developing ventricular fibrillation
4. Assess for signs and symptoms of ventricular fibrillation
5. Discover potential complications of ventricular fibrillation
6. Analyze  treatment methods for ventricular fibrillation