CARDIOVERSION &

DEFIBRILLATION
 CARDIOVERSION AND
DEFIBRILATION
1. CARDIOVERSION
- The synchronous application of an elec-
trical shock of short duration to the
heart through the use of chest paddles.
- It is done to convert cardiac dysrhythmia
into a more active and stable sinus
rhythm.
DYSRHYTHMIA
- It is a disorder in the formation of the electrical
impulse within the heart thus altering or changing the ff: -
heart rate and rhythm thus causing altered blood flow.
2. DEFIBRILLATION
- the unsynchronized passing of an
electric shock of short duration through
the heart to terminate ventricular
fibrillation or ventricular
tachycardia.
FIBRILLATION
- uncoordinated and fast contraction of heart
muscle not in synchronization with the
ventricular beat.
If ventricular fibrillation is not acted upon
immediately, it would result to irregularity in the
pulse rhythm. This is most often associated with
organic heart disease like:
1. Hypertension
2. Mitral valve disorder
3. Rheumatic Heart Disease
EQUIPMENT
1. Defibrillator with paddles
2. Electrode gel

3. Cardiac board
4. Oxygen therapy equipment
5. Handheld resuscitation bag
 NURSING INTERVENTIONS
DURING CARDIOVERSION AND
DEFIBRILLATION
1. Place the client in a flat firm surface.
2. Apply gel or paste to the paddles.
- for better contact with the skin.
- to prevent burns.
3. Hold the paddles only by the insulated
handles to prevent electrocution.
4. Give command to personnel to stand
clear of the client and the bed.
5. Apply the chest paddles as follows:
- one at the right of the sternum 3’rd
intercostal space.
- the other at the left midaxillary 5’th
intercostal space.
- press firmly against the chest
using 25 lbs. pressure.
6. Push the discharge buttons in both
paddles simultaneously.

7. For defibrillation, release 200-360

watts/sec. (joules). For cardio version,
lower energy is required.
 DISTINCTION BETWEEN
CARDIOVERSION AND DEFIBRILLATION

Cardioversion - electrical current delivery is

synchronized with the patient’s electrical
impulse.

Defibrillation - electrical current delivery

is immediate and unsynchronized.
Defibrillation of a heart attack victim