Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What does coarse ventricular fibrillation indicate?

1. It requires immediate defibrillation

2. It signifies stable low heart rate

3. It is a normal rhythm

4. It does not require treatment

The correct answer is: It requires immediate defibrillation

Coarse ventricular fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by erratic and irregular electrical discharges in the ventricles, leading to insufficient blood circulation. This condition is life-threatening, as it indicates that the heart is not effectively pumping blood, putting the patient at significant risk of cardiac arrest. Immediate defibrillation is crucial for restoring a viable cardiac rhythm. Defibrillation delivers an electric shock to the heart, aiming to reset its electrical activity and allow the heart to re-establish a normal rhythm. The urgency of treatment in cases of coarse ventricular fibrillation cannot be overstated, as delay in defibrillation can result in irreversible damage or death. Other options do not reflect the critical nature of coarse ventricular fibrillation, as stable low heart rates and normal rhythms do not warrant the aggressive intervention required for this severe arrhythmia.