Asystole is defined by what?

Asystole is defined by what?

• A. There is electrical activity but no contraction
• B. There is no electrical activity and no contraction
• C. There is rapid ventricular tachycardia
• D. There is pulseless electrical activity with organized rhythm

Answer: (B)

Asystole means a complete absence of electrical activity in the heart, so the heart does not receive any electrical signal to contract. On an ECG this appears as a flat line with no P waves or QRS complexes, reflecting no myocardial activity and no pulse. This is distinct from other shockable or non-shockable rhythms: if there were electrical activity but no contraction, that would be pulseless electrical activity; a rapid VT rhythm shows organized, fast electrical activity; and a true flatline is not a rhythm you can defibrillate. In treatment, focus on high-quality CPR and epinephrine while identifying reversible causes; defibrillation is not indicated for true asystole.

Asystole means a complete absence of electrical activity in the heart, so the heart does not receive any electrical signal to contract. On an ECG this appears as a flat line with no P waves or QRS complexes, reflecting no myocardial activity and no pulse. This is distinct from other shockable or non-shockable rhythms: if there were electrical activity but no contraction, that would be pulseless electrical activity; a rapid VT rhythm shows organized, fast electrical activity; and a true flatline is not a rhythm you can defibrillate. In treatment, focus on high-quality CPR and epinephrine while identifying reversible causes; defibrillation is not indicated for true asystole.