What action occurs when intrinsic activity is sensed according to cardiac device protocol?

When intrinsic activity is sensed according to cardiac device protocol, pacing pulses are withheld. This is because cardiac devices, such as pacemakers, are designed to allow the heart to respond naturally whenever it detects intrinsic electrical activity. If the device senses that the heart is effectively depolarizing on its own (which can be observed through the detection of intrinsic activity), it interprets this as a signal that pacing is not required at that moment. By withholding the pacing pulse, the device prevents unnecessary stimulation of the heart, allowing it to function normally and efficiently. This approach helps to preserve the heart's natural rhythm and prevents any competition between the pacing signal and the heart's own electrical conduction system.

In contrast, the other options, such as delivering pacing pulses, resetting the device, or charging the battery, would not be appropriate actions when intrinsic activity is detected. Each of these options represents scenarios that are not aligned with the principle of allowing the heart's natural electrical activity to guide the pacing decisions made by the device.