Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ACLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

Synchronized cardioversion is a procedure commonly used in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support for the treatment of certain types of tachydysrhythmias, particularly those associated with a pulse. Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is one such condition where synchronized cardioversion is indicated, especially when the patient is symptomatic, exhibiting signs such as hypotension, confusion, or chest pain due to the rapid heart rate.

This procedure is designed to restore normal rhythm by delivering a shock that is synchronized with the R wave of the QRS complex, thereby reducing the risk of inducing ventricular fibrillation, which could occur if the shock is delivered during a vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle. In contrast, conditions like ventricular fibrillation and asystole do not have a discernible pulse and require different interventions, primarily focused on defibrillation or advanced airway management rather than synchronized cardioversion. Pulseless electrical activity also necessitates immediate CPR and identification of reversible causes, rather than cardioversion. Thus, synchronized cardioversion is specifically used for conditions like atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response where restoring a regular rhythm is crucial for the patient's stability and well-being.