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Which of the following is part of the routine sterile setup when the chest is open and the heart is exposed?

  1. Heart pump

  2. Internal defibrillator

  3. Surgical drapes

  4. Electrocautery

The correct answer is: Internal defibrillator

In the context of a surgical procedure where the chest is open and the heart is exposed, the routine sterile setup includes items that maintain a sterile field and ensure safety and efficiency during the operation. The internal defibrillator is utilized specifically to provide emergency cardio-electrical intervention during complex cardiac surgeries. When the heart is exposed, there is a risk for arrhythmias, and an internal defibrillator allows for immediate response to any irregular heart rhythms that may occur. This device is crucial in settings where a patient may experience life-threatening conditions during surgery, as it enables surgeons to restore normal heart rhythm effectively without delaying necessary treatment. While other equipment and tools may also be part of the surgical setup, the focus on maintaining heart stability makes the internal defibrillator a vital part of the routine sterile setup under these conditions.