The most lethal electrical shock level occurs at what current range when the path crosses the heart?

The most lethal electrical shock level occurs at what current range when the path crosses the heart?

• A. 100 to 200 mA
• B. 50 to 100 mA
• C. 200 to 400 mA
• D. 10 to 50 mA

Answer: (A)

When current travels through the chest, the heart’s rhythm can be disrupted and fibrillation can occur. For alternating current at typical power frequencies, the risk of inducing ventricular fibrillation is greatest in the range around 100 to 200 mA. At these levels, the electrical activity is strong enough to override the heart’s normal conduction, causing chaotic electrical activity that prevents effective pumping and can lead to sudden death if not quickly resolved. Lower currents may cause tingling or a muscle grab but aren’t typically fatal, while higher currents can cause other serious injuries, but the 100–200 mA window is the most lethal when the current’s path includes the heart.

When current travels through the chest, the heart’s rhythm can be disrupted and fibrillation can occur. For alternating current at typical power frequencies, the risk of inducing ventricular fibrillation is greatest in the range around 100 to 200 mA. At these levels, the electrical activity is strong enough to override the heart’s normal conduction, causing chaotic electrical activity that prevents effective pumping and can lead to sudden death if not quickly resolved. Lower currents may cause tingling or a muscle grab but aren’t typically fatal, while higher currents can cause other serious injuries, but the 100–200 mA window is the most lethal when the current’s path includes the heart.