Visible but wide QRS complexes are associated with false asystole alarms

Background: Bedside electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is a mainstay used for continuous surveillance of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, false ECG alarms are common, and contribute to alarm fatigue, a problem linked to untoward patient outcomes. Critical arrhythmia alarms such as asystole are configured as “latching” alarms, which cannot be silenced until they are physically muted at the bedside monitor or central nursing station. This contributes to alarm fatigue, and distracts nurses from patient care.
Source: Journal of Electrocardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research