Which of the following is the only intervention that can restore an organized rhythm in a patient with ventricular fibrillation?

The only intervention that can restore an organized rhythm in a patient experiencing ventricular fibrillation is effective defibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia that results in the heart's inability to pump blood effectively. During this condition, the electrical activity in the heart becomes chaotic, leading to ineffective contractions.

Defibrillation works by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart, which interrupts this chaotic electrical activity and allows the heart's natural pacemaker to regain control and establish a coordinated rhythm. The timing and precision of the shock are crucial, and it is most effective when performed as soon as possible following the onset of ventricular fibrillation.

While high-quality CPR, advanced airway placement, and cardiac medications are important components of advanced cardiovascular life support, they do not restore an organized cardiac rhythm like defibrillation does. CPR is essential for maintaining blood flow to vital organs until defibrillation can be performed, but it does not address the underlying electrical disturbance. Medications can support heart function and rhythm stabilization but rely on successful defibrillation to ultimately restore an effective cardiac rhythm.