CHAPTER 1 Cardiovascular System^57
- Lab work—CBC, electrolytes, drug levels, coagulation studies.
- No atrial or ventricular rhythm on the electrocardiogram.
TREATMENT
Treatment consists of restarting the heart and, when that has occurred, determin-
ing the cause of the asystole. Basic Life Support (CPR) should optimally be started
within two minutes (once asystole is established, CPR should be initiated imme-
diately when asystole is detected, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support within eight
minutes.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
- Oxygen.
- Start IVs to maintain access.
- Transcutaneous pacing, where electrodes are placed on the front and back of
the chest while high current is delivered to the patient to pace the ventricles. - Endotracheal intubation.
- Administer buffering agent to correct acidosis:
- sodium bicarbonate
- Administer antiarrhythmics to control arrhythmia:
- atropine
- epinephrine
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Impaired gas exchange
- Decreased cardiac output
- Ineffective tissue perfusion
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Begin CPR.
- Prepare to administer medication per physician’s order or protocol.