Astyole

Question 1

What is asystole commonly referred to as?

Answer 1

Cardiac standstill

Asystole is often described as a ‘flat line’ on an ECG monitor.

Question 2

What characterizes asystole?

Answer 2

Complete absence of ventricular electrical activity

Atrial activity may be present as P waves but without QRS complexes or T waves.

Question 3

What does the term P-wave asystole indicate?

Answer 3

P waves are observed in the absence of ventricular electrical activity

This term highlights the presence of atrial activity despite the lack of ventricular contractions.

Question 4

What is one of the first steps when encountering a flat-line ECG?

Answer 4

Rule out causes other than asystole

This is crucial as a flat line may not always indicate true asystole.

Question 5

List possible causes of a flat-line ECG.

Answer 5

• Leads not connected to the patient
• Loose leads
• Leads not connected to the monitor-defibrillator
• Incorrect monitor setting
• Very-low-voltage VF
• True asystole

Identifying the underlying cause is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Question 6

Is asystole considered a shockable or nonshockable cardiac arrest rhythm?

Answer 6

Nonshockable

There is no electrical activity to reset in asystole, making defibrillation ineffective.

Question 7

What does the absence of QRS complexes and T waves indicate in asystole?

Answer 7

No organized ventricular electrical activity

This further confirms the diagnosis of asystole.