shockable rhythm
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia.
Related to shockable rhythm: AED, Automated external defibrillator
shockable rhythm
In emergency cardiac care, any of the following cardiac rhythm disturbances: ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia or some poorly tolerated supraventricular tachycardias, e.g., some instances of rapid atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia. By contrast, asystole, pulseless electrical activity, heart blocks, and the bradycardias are not shockable. Defibrillation or cardioversion of these latter rhythms may result in injury to the patient.
See also: rhythm
Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners