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Asystolic cardiac arrest — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyResuscitationAsystolic cardiac arrestDipIMC

A 78-year-old woman is found unresponsive at home. CPR is started, the monitor shows asystole in two leads, and intravenous access is obtained. What is the most appropriate drug/dose?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Adrenaline 1 mg intravenously as soon as possible, repeated every 3–5 minutes

Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm, so high-quality CPR, early adrenaline and active search for reversible causes are priorities. Amiodarone is used in refractory shockable rhythms, not asystole. Atropine is no longer routine in adult cardiac arrest. The pearl is to confirm true asystole by checking leads and gain while avoiding prolonged pauses.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Adult ALS Guidelines 2025