Prepare for the Cleveland Clinic EKG Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Gain insights with hints and explanations. Ace your exam today!

Multiple Choice

Which statement about pulseless electrical activity (PEA) in the context of cardiac arrest is true?

PEA means the heart’s electrical system is still generating activity, but the heart isn’t delivering a pulse. In cardiac arrest you can see an organized electrical rhythm on the monitor while there is no palpable pulse or detectable blood pressure. That’s why the statement describing electrical activity present with no detectable pulse is correct. This is different from asystole (no electrical activity) or a rhythm with a pulse. In PEA you continue high-quality CPR and treat reversible causes rather than attempting defibrillation, since there isn’t a shockable rhythm.

PEA means the heart’s electrical system is still generating activity, but the heart isn’t delivering a pulse. In cardiac arrest you can see an organized electrical rhythm on the monitor while there is no palpable pulse or detectable blood pressure. That’s why the statement describing electrical activity present with no detectable pulse is correct. This is different from asystole (no electrical activity) or a rhythm with a pulse. In PEA you continue high-quality CPR and treat reversible causes rather than attempting defibrillation, since there isn’t a shockable rhythm.