What do I do the moment I see VFib?

Check the patient. If pulseless, begin high-quality CPR, activate the code, and get the defibrillator — VFib is a shockable rhythm under ACLS. Confirm it's not lead artifact on a talking patient first.

Can artifact look like VFib?

Yes. Loose leads, chest compressions, brushing teeth, or a shivering patient can create VFib-like tracings. Always correlate the monitor with the actual patient before acting.

Does RN PocketPal detect VFib?

No. RN PocketPal is an educational reference and does not monitor, alarm, or detect arrest rhythms. Your bedside monitor and your assessment do that.

Ventricular fibrillation (VFib) — an educational nurse reference.

The chaotic, no-organized-QRS arrest rhythm — recognize it fast, confirm the patient, and start the code.

Recognizing this rhythm at the bedside means matching pattern, intervals, and clinical context. This page covers the educational pattern; calipers and your clinical judgment carry it across the line.

What RN PocketPal does

Identifying traits

Rhythm: chaotic, disorganized — no identifiable P, QRS, or T.
Coarse vs fine: larger undulations (coarse) vs low-amplitude squiggle (fine).
Rate: not measurable.
Always pulseless: VFib is a cardiac-arrest rhythm.
Shockable: VFib and pulseless VT are the two shockable arrest rhythms.

Verify with

Confirm the patient, not just the monitor — artifact and a disconnected lead can mimic VFib.
If pulseless: start CPR, call the code, defibrillate per ACLS.
The code team and ACLS algorithm drive everything from here.

Who it’s for

For Nurses and nursing students learning rhythm interpretation.

Frequently asked questions

What do I do the moment I see VFib?: Check the patient. If pulseless, begin high-quality CPR, activate the code, and get the defibrillator — VFib is a shockable rhythm under ACLS. Confirm it's not lead artifact on a talking patient first.
Can artifact look like VFib?: Yes. Loose leads, chest compressions, brushing teeth, or a shivering patient can create VFib-like tracings. Always correlate the monitor with the actual patient before acting.
Does RN PocketPal detect VFib?: No. RN PocketPal is an educational reference and does not monitor, alarm, or detect arrest rhythms. Your bedside monitor and your assessment do that.

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Reviewed by RN PocketPal Clinical Team, RN. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.