During a pre-hospital cardiac arrest, the team has been performing CPR for 25 minutes. The team leader performs a brief ultrasound assessment during a...

Question

During a pre-hospital cardiac arrest, the team has been performing CPR for 25 minutes. The team leader performs a brief ultrasound assessment during a rhythm check. The cardiac ultrasound shows no visible cardiac wall motion. What is the significance of this finding?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac standstill on ultrasound in a patient with prolonged arrest and no reversible causes is a strong predictor of futility and supports consideration of terminating resuscitation

Answer

Cardiac standstill indicates the patient needs immediate thoracotomy

Answer

The ultrasound machine is malfunctioning

Answer

Ultrasound cannot be used during cardiac arrest

Answer

Cardiac standstill on ultrasound always means the patient has died and CPR should be immediately stopped

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Cardiac Ultrasound in ALS

During a pre-hospital cardiac arrest, the team has been performing CPR for 25 minutes. The team leader performs a brief ultrasound assessment during a rhythm check. The cardiac ultrasound shows no visible cardiac wall motion. What is the significance of this finding?