What term refers to the absence of contractions of the heart, i.e., a flatline?

What term refers to the absence of contractions of the heart, i.e., a flatline?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Agonal Rhythm
• C. Ventricular Tachycardia
• D. Asystole

Answer: (D)

Absence of heart contractions shows up on an ECG as a flatline, and the term for that condition is asystole. This describes no electrical activity driving the heart, so there’s no mechanical activity and no effective cardiac output. That’s why it’s considered a terminal rhythm requiring prompt high-quality CPR and appropriate interventions rather than any rhythm you’d shock. Other terms describe different situations: tachypnea is rapid breathing, not a cardiac rhythm; an agonal rhythm is an irregular, often gasping, borderline activity that may occur at the end of life but isn’t a true flatline; ventricular tachycardia is a fast heart rhythm originating in the ventricles, not a flatline.

Absence of heart contractions shows up on an ECG as a flatline, and the term for that condition is asystole. This describes no electrical activity driving the heart, so there’s no mechanical activity and no effective cardiac output. That’s why it’s considered a terminal rhythm requiring prompt high-quality CPR and appropriate interventions rather than any rhythm you’d shock.

Other terms describe different situations: tachypnea is rapid breathing, not a cardiac rhythm; an agonal rhythm is an irregular, often gasping, borderline activity that may occur at the end of life but isn’t a true flatline; ventricular tachycardia is a fast heart rhythm originating in the ventricles, not a flatline.