Basic resuscitation: confirming asystole: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Basic resuscitation: confirming asystole

Sample item

A monitor shows a flat line in a collapsed patient. What should be checked before accepting the diagnosis of asystole?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lead connection and gain, and a second lead

A flat line may be caused by a loose lead, low gain or fine ventricular fibrillation. Increasing the gain and checking another lead avoids missing a shockable rhythm.

Option by option

  • A. Pupil size

    Pupil size does not confirm a rhythm.

  • B. Blood glucose

    Glucose is a reversible cause, not a check of the trace.

  • C. Lead connection and gain, and a second lead (correct)

    Correct. Technical causes and fine VF must be excluded.

  • D. Serum potassium

    Potassium is a reversible cause to consider later, not a check of the trace.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is C, Lead connection and gain, and a second lead. A flat line may be caused by a loose lead, low gain or fine ventricular fibrillation.

Why is "Pupil size" not the answer?

Pupil size does not confirm a rhythm.

Why is "Blood glucose" not the answer?

Glucose is a reversible cause, not a check of the trace.

Why is "Serum potassium" not the answer?

Potassium is a reversible cause to consider later, not a check of the trace.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Basic resuscitation: confirming asystole in Anaesthesia. Increasing the gain and checking another lead avoids missing a shockable rhythm.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Basic resuscitation: confirming asystole?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.