Asystole

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Absence of ventricular electrical activity w/ or w/o artial electrical activity

Question 2

Goal of Care

Answer 2

High Quality CPR, cardiac arrest management and return of spontaneous circulation

Question 3

Guiding Principles

Answer 3

Time on chest w/ CPR is the most important determinant of resuscitation success
Its a better indicator of survivability than therapy employing drugs or intubation

Observe the ETCO2 value
- a level of 10mmHg or below greater than 20 mins into cardiac arrest is an AHA supported indication for discontinuation

Question 4

Asystole - Interventions Guidelines

Answer 4

EMR/PCP
CPR and AED per CAM guidelines

ACP
Treat precipitating cause
Sympathomemtic
- EPINEPHrine

Further Care
In-hospital treatment is diagnosis dependent

may include:
all above - consideration of early inotrope administration, consideration of early transcutaneous pacing or transvenous pacing, consideration of early termination efforts