When the paramedic shouts "stand back" and applies the paddles to administer a strong current, this is an attempt to
A) restart ventricular contractions that have completely stopped.
B) reverse control of heartbeat from AV to SA nodes.
C) align the P-QRS waves with the electrical paddle waves.
D) stop the ventricles from uncontrolled contractions so the SA node can reestablish a coordinated beat.
E) destroy heart tissue that is out of control.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an attempt to stop the ventricles from uncontrolled contractions so the SA node can reestablish a coordinated beat. The paddles deliver a strong electrical shock to depolarize all the cardiac muscle cells at once, effectively stopping the chaotic contractions of the heart. This allows the SA node to take over and reestablish a normal coordinated heartbeat.

When the Paramedic Shouts "Stand Back" and Applies the Paddles