What do patients with a third degree AV block typically need?

What do patients with a third degree AV block typically need?

• A. Monitoring and assessment
• B. A physical therapist
• C. An artificial pacemaker
• D. Cardiac medication adjustments

Answer: (C)

Patients with a third degree AV block, also known as complete heart block, typically require the placement of an artificial pacemaker. This condition is characterized by a complete dissociation between the atrial and ventricular electrical activity, meaning the atria and ventricles are not communicating effectively. This lack of communication can lead to significant bradycardia (slow heart rate) and potentially severe symptoms, such as syncope or heart failure.

An artificial pacemaker is essential in this scenario because it can provide the necessary electrical stimulation to the heart, ensuring that the ventricles beat at an appropriate rate and restore hemodynamic stability. This intervention helps prevent the complications that can arise from the block's severity, such as decreased cardiac output and inadequate perfusion to vital organs.

While monitoring and assessment, physical therapy, and adjustments to cardiac medications may be relevant in the management of various cardiac conditions, they do not directly address the immediate need that arises from a third degree AV block. The pacemaker serves as a definitive treatment to resolve the underlying issue of electrical conduction failure that defines this condition.