Which condition requires immediate CPR?

Which condition requires immediate CPR?

• A. Ventricular fibrillation
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Ventricular asystole
• D. Stable tachycardia

Answer: (C)

Immediate CPR is required for ventricular asystole because this condition indicates that there is no electrical activity in the heart, resulting in the absence of a heartbeat. This is a life-threatening situation where the heart is not pumping blood, which leads to a critical lack of oxygen being delivered to vital organs. The only way to restore circulation is through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which helps to artificially circulate blood and maintain perfusion to vital organs until advanced medical help is available or the heart can be restarted. In contrast, while ventricular fibrillation is also a deadly rhythm requiring immediate intervention, it has the potential to be corrected through defibrillation. Atrial fibrillation, while it can lead to complications such as stroke, does not require immediate CPR in stable situations, as patients may remain functional and conscious. Stable tachycardia, although it may require treatment, does not pose an immediate threat to life and does not necessitate immediate CPR.

Immediate CPR is required for ventricular asystole because this condition indicates that there is no electrical activity in the heart, resulting in the absence of a heartbeat. This is a life-threatening situation where the heart is not pumping blood, which leads to a critical lack of oxygen being delivered to vital organs. The only way to restore circulation is through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which helps to artificially circulate blood and maintain perfusion to vital organs until advanced medical help is available or the heart can be restarted.

In contrast, while ventricular fibrillation is also a deadly rhythm requiring immediate intervention, it has the potential to be corrected through defibrillation. Atrial fibrillation, while it can lead to complications such as stroke, does not require immediate CPR in stable situations, as patients may remain functional and conscious. Stable tachycardia, although it may require treatment, does not pose an immediate threat to life and does not necessitate immediate CPR.