Cardiology In Critical Care
Lethal Dysrhythmias of the Heart
Asytole and Ventricular Standstill
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Asystole/Ventricular Standstill
A. No ventricular activity. No ventricular contraction.
B. Clinical significance - no cardiac output.
C. Characteristics
1. usually a straight line
2. may have atrial activity (P waver)
3. may have occasional QRS complexes (escape heats)
Primary Ventrlcular Standstill
Treatment
1. CPR, Intubate at once, N access, confirm. in more than one
lead
a. Consider causes: hypoxemia, hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, drug overdose,
MI, hypothermia
2.. Consider immediate Transcutaneous Pacemaker
3. Drugs- epinephrine, atropine