Which of the following treatment would be least effective for asystole?: (A) External pacemaker, (B) Intravenous epinephrine, 10 ml. of 1:10,000, (C) Intravenous calcium gluconate, 10 ml. of 10% solution, (D) Intravenous atropine, 0.5 mg
Answer is C. The recommended treatment for asystole is the administration of atropine. If atropine is unsuccessful epinephrine is given. Ultimately cardiac pacing is necessary if atropine and epinephrine do not establish an adequate hea rate. Calcium has no clear role in treating asystole. Ref: harrisons text book of internal medicine, 20th ed.