Which of the following rhythms are considered shockable?

In Advanced Life Support, the concept of shockable rhythms is crucial for managing patients experiencing cardiac arrest. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia is classified as a shockable rhythm because it involves a rapid heartbeat that does not effectively pump blood, which can lead to inadequate perfusion and potential cardiac arrest. The administration of defibrillation in such cases aims to reset the heart's electrical system, allowing it to regain a more stable rhythm.

In contrast to pulseless ventricular tachycardia, the other rhythms listed are not considered appropriate for defibrillation. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) signifies a situation where there is electrical activity on the monitor but no effective cardiac output—a condition that defibrillation does not address. Atrial fibrillation, while irregular and chaotic, may still have some degree of circulation and is not an immediate candidate for defibrillation in an emergency context. Normal sinus rhythm, which indicates a stable and functioning heart rhythm, does not require defibrillation, as there is no cardiac emergency present. Understanding these distinctions is critical for effective emergency care and the application of appropriate life-saving interventions.