EKGQuestion 80 of 100
A cardiac monitor suddenly shows a flat line and the patient is unresponsive with no pulse. After confirming the patient and checking leads, what does this rhythm represent and what is the priority?
a.Normal rhythm; continue monitoring
b.Artifact; ignore it
c.Sinus bradycardia; recheck in an hour
d.Asystole; call for emergency help and begin CPR
Explanation
A flat line with an unresponsive, pulseless patient represents asystole, a life-threatening emergency. The technician should quickly confirm the patient is truly pulseless (and that it is not a lead disconnection), then activate the emergency response and begin CPR if trained. Rapid recognition and response are critical to survival.
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