Internal Defibs

In my practice I usually only see the PCDs admitted because either the defib failed to activate or is activating too frequently, i.e. several times per day. The idea is to treat the arrhythmia with meds and the debif handles what breaks through. No, they probably don't need to be admitted because it shocked the patient twice. But multiple times is scary--and it hurts! And something needs to be fixed.

In my practice I usually only see the PCDs admitted because either the defib failed to activate or is activating too frequently, i.e. several times per day. The idea is to treat the arrhythmia with meds and the debif handles what breaks through. No, they probably don't need to be admitted because it shocked the patient twice. But multiple times is scary--and it hurts! And something needs to be fixed.

Thank you very much for responding...I think it if activated more than twice in 48 hours I would worry a bit more..but 2 times...come on, no reason to actually panic!

I really appeciate your imput...I kinda felt like the odd man out by not freaking out like all the other nurses. You see...all the nurses I work with are vetran LTC nurses and I am a 'baby' nurse to them only 5 years out...I struggle with their ideals and mine..and defibs...heck they are going to fire..kinda the reason they are put in....

THanks!!!!!!

If they are concerned about the frequency of the defib going off they can always call into the doctor responsible for the patient make them aware. Also, there should be a pacemaker clinic that is involved that can do a phone check and see if it's going off erroneously or if it is due to an arrhythmia.

not sure they needed to be admitted but the doc needed to be notified at least. with her being a dialysis pt her lytes may have been out of whack contributing to or causing her arrythmia. it wouldn't hurt to get the doc to order some lab draws.