Rhythm InterpretationQuestion 21 of 100
A monitor shows a nearly flat line with no waveforms in two different leads and the patient is unresponsive with no pulse. What is this rhythm?
a.Ventricular fibrillation
b.Idioventricular rhythm
c.Asystole
d.Loose lead artifact
Explanation
Asystole is the absence of all electrical activity, appearing as a flat or nearly flat line, and it must be confirmed in more than one lead before it is accepted as true. Ventricular fibrillation still shows chaotic deflections, and an idioventricular rhythm shows wide slow complexes. A loose lead can mimic a flat line, which is exactly why the finding is confirmed in a second lead and at the bedside.
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