Word parts
What it means
The ventricleVEN-trih-kulOne of the two lower chambers of the heart, or one of the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain.Full entry receive disorganized electrical signals and only twitch, so no blood is pumped out and there is no pulse. On the monitor it looks like an irregular, wavy line with no clear beats. The person collapses and becomes unresponsive within seconds; without treatment it causes death. It is treated with cardiopulmonary resuscitationkar-dee-oh-PUL-muh-nair-ee rih-sus-ih-TAY-shunEmergency chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, to keep blood flowing when the heart has stopped.cardi/o heartpulmon/o lung-ary relating toresuscitation bringing back to lifeFull entry and defibrillation.
For the nurse
Check the client, not just the monitor: a loose lead can look like VF. If the client is unresponsive with no pulse, call for help, start CPR and defibrillate as soon as a defibrillator or automated external defibrillatorAW-tuh-may-tid ek-STER-nul dee-FIB-ruh-lay-terA portable device that checks the heart rhythm through pads on the chest and gives an electric shock if one is needed.Full entry is ready.
In a chart
"Client found unresponsive, pulseless; monitor shows ventricular fibrillation; CPR started and shock delivered."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | VF, V-fib |
|---|---|
| Spanish | fibrilación ventricular |
| Also written | VF, v-fib, VFib |
Related terms
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Emergency chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, to keep blood flowing when the heart has stopped.
arrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.
ventricle
One of the two lower chambers of the heart, or one of the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain.
ventricular tachycardia
A fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles), usually over 100 beats per minute.
automated external defibrillator
A portable device that checks the heart rhythm through pads on the chest and gives an electric shock if one is needed.