Asystole Cardiac Arrest — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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EasyCardiologyAsystole Cardiac ArrestRACP Adult Medicine

A 75-year-old woman has an in-hospital cardiac arrest. Monitor shows asystole confirmed in two leads. CPR is commenced. What is the most appropriate rhythm-specific intervention?

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Correct answer: D — Adrenaline 1 mg IV

Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm. DO NOT defibrillate. Management: high-quality CPR + adrenaline 1 mg IV as soon as IV/IO access obtained, then every 3-5 minutes. Identify and treat reversible causes (4Hs and 4Ts: Hypoxia, Hypovolaemia, Hypo/hyperkalaemia, Hypothermia, Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins, Thromboembolism). Asystole has poor prognosis (~5% survival to discharge).

Reference: ARC/ANZCOR – 2024 – ALS Guidelines