Final answer:
To treat ventricular tachycardia (V-tach), a controlled electric shock in the form of defibrillation is typically used to restore a normal sinus rhythm.
Step-by-step explanation:
To treat ventricular tachycardia (V-tach), which is a type of heart rhythm disorder, you would typically use a controlled electric shock in the form of cardioversion or defibrillation. The most common treatment for severe disturbances in the electrical activity of the heart, such as ventricular fibrillation, is defibrillation. This procedure involves using special paddles to apply an electrical charge to the heart from an external source to restore a normal sinus rhythm.
Defibrillators are designed to effectively stop the heart momentarily so that the sinoatrial (SA) node can re-establish a normal conduction cycle. This is critical in a medical emergency, where ventricular fibrillation (a type of V-tach) can lead to brain death if not treated swiftly. Because of their lifesaving potential, external automated defibrillators (EADs) are widely available in public places to assist laypersons in providing emergency care.