The pacemaker and defibrillator codes: implications for critical care nursing

Scientific advances in the past few decades have resulted in the development of complex devices capable of treating both brady-dysrhythmias and tachydysrhythmias. Because critical care nurses play a vital role in the safe and effective functioning of these devices, they must understand the operation of the devices and patients' physiological and psychosocial responses to the technology. Careful monitoring, open and caring communication, and relevant patient education will make the important difference in patients' adjustment to use of an antidysrhythmic device.