Asystole on telemetry is defined as which of the following?

Asystole on telemetry is defined as which of the following?

• A. Irregular rhythm with no QRS.
• B. Regular rhythm with P waves.
• C. Wide QRS tachycardia.
• D. Flatline with no electrical activity.

Answer: (D)

Asystole is defined by the absence of any electrical activity in the heart. On telemetry, this shows up as a flatline with no deflections, no P waves, and no QRS complexes. That’s why the statement describing a flatline with no electrical activity is the correct descriptor. The other patterns imply some electrical activity is present. An irregular rhythm with no QRS would not be a true flatline and could reflect artifact or another rhythm without proper coordination. A regular rhythm with P waves is normal sinus rhythm, not asystole. A wide QRS tachycardia represents a rapid, organized ventricular rhythm, not no activity. In practice, asystole is treated with CPR and epinephrine rather than defibrillation, and it’s important to verify that the monitor leads are properly connected and that there isn’t a noncardiac cause for the flatline.

Asystole is defined by the absence of any electrical activity in the heart. On telemetry, this shows up as a flatline with no deflections, no P waves, and no QRS complexes. That’s why the statement describing a flatline with no electrical activity is the correct descriptor.

The other patterns imply some electrical activity is present. An irregular rhythm with no QRS would not be a true flatline and could reflect artifact or another rhythm without proper coordination. A regular rhythm with P waves is normal sinus rhythm, not asystole. A wide QRS tachycardia represents a rapid, organized ventricular rhythm, not no activity. In practice, asystole is treated with CPR and epinephrine rather than defibrillation, and it’s important to verify that the monitor leads are properly connected and that there isn’t a noncardiac cause for the flatline.