What characterizes cardiac standstill (asystole)?

What characterizes cardiac standstill (asystole)?

• A. Presence of weak electrical signals
• B. Active pumping of the heart but no pulse
• C. No detectable electrical activity on EKG
• D. Irregular heartbeat pattern

Answer: (C)

Cardiac standstill, also known as asystole, is characterized by the absence of any detectable electrical activity on the electrocardiogram (EKG). In asystole, the heart muscle is not generating any electrical impulses, which leads to a cessation of the heartbeat. This condition signifies that the heart is essentially inactive and is unable to contract.

In the context of the other options, the presence of weak electrical signals would imply some level of cardiac activity, which is not consistent with asystole. If the heart were actively pumping but without a pulse, it would suggest a condition like pulseless electrical activity rather than true asystole. Lastly, an irregular heartbeat pattern would also denote some form of electrical activity rather than the complete absence observed in asystole. Thus, the hallmark of asystole is indeed the lack of any electrical signals on the EKG.