University:
West Coast University
Course:
NURS 110 | Introduction to Professional Nursing
Academic year:

2021
Views:

475

Pages:

1
Author:

Isabella Bolton

Asystole Rate: None P waves: None PRI: None QRS: None QT: None Rhythm: None Source of pacer: None Nursing Tip: Assess your patient! Treat the patient and not the monitor!! Characteristics: Asystole represents the total absence of electrical activity. Since depolarization does not occur, there is no ventricular contraction and a straight line will appear on the ECG. To assure there is no electrical activity, check the rhythm in a second lead and make sure your monitor is working properly. Asystole may occur as a primary event in cardiac arrest, or it may follow VF. In addition, the distinction between very fine VF and asystole may be very difficult. If it might be VF, it should be treated, like VF, with defibrillation. If no organized QRS complex is seen and the patient has a pulse, then the ECG is improperly connected, turned off, or improperly calibrated. Causes: End stage cardiac disease, ischemia, MI, severe electrolyte imbalances, acidosis, and hypoxia. Nursing Priorities: Check rhythm in a second lead (make sure a lead has not fallen off). If your patient has a pulse, they are obviously NOT in asystole. If the patient is pulseless, initiate CPR and call for help Potential Treatments: Continue CPR and secure airway and IV access. Search for possible causes. Implement medication therapy per ACLS guidelines.