Patient was educated on signs and symptoms of ventricular fibrillation as follows:
- Fast heart rate
- The ventricles of the heart contract with an irregular, abnormal, uncoordinated and rapid rhythm than usual.
- The rate of ventricular fibrillation can be as high as 400 – 500 beats per minute.
- Clot formation and embolus
- The ineffective rapid ventricular contractions can result in clot formation with consequent risk for thrombus and embolism.
- The symptoms can vary depending on the organ systems involved due to the deposition of clot.
- Diminished function of vital organs
- Compromised blood and oxygen supply to the vital organs affect their function gradually. Blood supply could be reduced to all organs, such as, brain, heart, lung, stomach, and kidneys, affecting their function.
- Reduced volume of oxygenated blood in the circulation will result in low blood pressure and result in hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Also, reduced blood supply to the brain can result in increased confusion and frequency of dizzy episodes, thus contributing to falls and accidents.
- Progressively reduced blood supply to the kidneys can result in deterioration of renal function, diminished urine output, increased fluid and waste retention, and renal failure.
- Reduced blood supply to the muscles can result in reduced oxygen supply to the muscle, thus leading to muscle pain, fatigue, and reduced endurance to activity.
