Rhythms to recognize immediately
Ventricular fibrillation : chaotic, no pulse. Defibrillate.. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia : wide regular complexes, no pulse. Defibrillate.. Asystole and pulseless electrical activity : CPR and epinephrine, never defibrillate.. Atrial fibrillation : irregularly irregular, no P waves. Rate control and anticoagulation assessment; stroke risk.. Symptomatic bradycardia : rate under 50 with hypotension, altered consciousness or chest pain. Atropine. Always check the pulse before treating a rhythm on the monitor.