What is the proper treatment for a stable patient with ventricular fibrillation?

In the case of a stable patient experiencing ventricular fibrillation, the immediate and appropriate treatment is defibrillation along with advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by uncoordinated heart activity, leading to ineffective pumping of blood. Therefore, restoration of a normal rhythm is crucial for survival.

Defibrillation delivers a timed electrical shock to the myocardium, which can help reset the heart's electrical activity and restore a normal heartbeat. Alongside defibrillation, ACLS involves a series of protocols such as ensuring oxygenation, establishing intravenous access, and preparing for potential further interventions based on the patient's response.

Other options, such as administering antiarrhythmic medications, may play a role in the post-resuscitation care or in other types of unstable arrhythmias but are not the first-line treatment for immediate management of ventricular fibrillation. Immediate intubation is also not necessary for a patient who is stable, as intubation is usually reserved for those who cannot protect their airway or require advanced airway management due to respiratory failure. Observation and follow-up are inappropriate in this scenario since ventricular fibrillation is an emergency that necessitates prompt intervention rather than monitoring.