What device may be used to provide an artificial pacing stimulus to the heart?

A pacemaker is a medical device that generates electrical impulses to stimulate the heart to beat at a normal rate. This is particularly important in cases where the heart’s natural pacemaker (the sinoatrial node) is not functioning effectively, leading to bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) or other rhythm disorders. The pacemaker can be temporary or permanent, and it enables continuous monitoring and regulation of the heart's rhythm, ultimately ensuring that the heart pumps blood effectively.

In contrast, a defibrillator is designed to administer a high-energy shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. While it plays a crucial role in cardiac emergencies, it does not provide a continuous pacing stimulus.

An ECG monitor is used to observe and display the electrical activity of the heart, helping healthcare providers understand the heart's rhythm and diagnose any potential issues. It does not actively stimulate the heart.

A stethoscope is a manual device used to listen to heart sounds and assess organ function; it cannot provide pacing stimuli to the heart.

Thus, the pacemaker is the device specifically designed for artificial pacing of the heart.