Which two arrhythmias are classified as non-shockable?

The classification of arrhythmias into shockable and non-shockable rhythms is crucial in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) for guiding appropriate intervention. In this context, asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) are identified as non-shockable rhythms.

Asystole refers to the absence of any electrical activity in the heart, resulting in a flatline on the electrocardiogram (ECG). Since there is no organized electrical activity, delivering a shock would not restart the heart; hence, it is categorized as non-shockable.

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is another situation where the ECG may show organized electrical activity, but it does not lead to effective heart contractions or pulse generation. In this case, the heart may display electrical rhythms that resemble normal but are in the context of a clinical situation where the patient is unresponsive and has no pulse. Shock is ineffective for PEA as well because electrical impulses, while present, do not translate into meaningful mechanical contractions or perfusion.

Recognizing these two rhythms as non-shockable helps ensure that providers focus on high-quality CPR and addressing reversible causes before considering pharmacological interventions. The other mentioned arrhythmias involve varying types of treatments,