Which term describes the complete stop of normal heartbeat and circulation?

Study for the Hospital Corpsman Basic Test 5. Enhance your skills with diverse questions and detailed explanations to boost your confidence. Prepare effectively and excel on your exam!

The term that describes the complete stop of normal heartbeat and circulation is cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating effectively, which halts blood flow to the body's organs. This is a critical emergency that requires immediate intervention, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), to restore normal heart function and circulation.

In contrast, a heart attack refers to a situation where blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often due to a clot. While a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, it is not the same as the complete cessation of heart activity.

Arrhythmia refers to abnormal heart rhythms, which may include heartbeats that are too fast, too slow, or irregular. While some types of arrhythmias can lead to cardiac arrest, they do not signify a complete halt of the heartbeat.

Angina is a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort that results from inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle, typically as a result of coronary artery disease. Angina indicates that there are issues with blood supply but does not imply that the heart has stopped beating entirely.

Thus, cardiac arrest aptly describes the critical condition where both the heartbeat and circulation cease

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