What does "defibrillation" refer to?

Defibrillation refers to a medical procedure designed to restore a normal heartbeat, particularly in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. This process involves delivering an electrical shock to the heart through the chest wall, which can reset the heart's rhythm and allow it to resume its normal function. It is a critical intervention in emergency settings, often performed during cardiac arrest situations.

The other options do not capture the essence of defibrillation. Assessing blood pressure is a routine measurement to monitor cardiovascular health, but it does not involve direct intervention in heart rhythm. Administering medication may be part of a broader treatment plan for heart conditions, but it does not specifically address the electrical disturbances of the heart that defibrillation targets. Diagnostic tests for heart conditions, such as EKGs or echocardiograms, are designed to evaluate the heart's health and function but do not actively restore a normal heartbeat.