Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: davewaldo on 29/04/2010 10:34:02
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Hello,
I'm a nursing student, and search as I might I can't find the answer to this question.
I know that defibrillators are used to shock a heart when in VF or TF but not when its flat-lining / Asystole (despite what we see on TV). If a patient flatlines CPR and drugs will be used.
However during heart surgery the heart is stopped, then towards the end of surgery it is restarted with a shock.
So I'm wondering what I'm missing here? Is there a difference between medically induced flatline and naturally occurring flatline?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
David.