You are managing a 60-year-old male in cardiac arrest. The team has been performing high-quality CPR for 25 minutes. The patient has remained in asyst...

Question

You are managing a 60-year-old male in cardiac arrest. The team has been performing high-quality CPR for 25 minutes. The patient has remained in asystole throughout with no reversible causes identified. No ROSC has been achieved despite full ALS. What factors should guide the decision to terminate resuscitation?

Accepted Answer

Absence of ROSC after prolonged resuscitation with no reversible causes identified, initial non-shockable rhythm, unwitnessed arrest, and no signs of life - a team decision considering all clinical factors

Answer

The patient's age alone is sufficient to guide the termination decision

Answer

Only a consultant can authorise termination of resuscitation

Answer

Asystole for more than 20 minutes is an absolute indication to terminate

Answer

Resuscitation should continue for a minimum of 45 minutes in all cases

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Termination of Resuscitation