In cases of pediatric cardiac arrest, which heart rhythm is commonly seen immediately following a shock?

In pediatric cardiac arrest, it is common to observe asystole immediately following defibrillation attempts. Asystole refers to the absence of electrical activity in the heart, leading to a flat line on the ECG monitor. This rhythm can occur due to several factors, including the extreme stress on the heart muscle, metabolic derangements, or ineffective resuscitation efforts. Although an attempt is made to restore a perfusing rhythm after defibrillation, it is not unusual for the heart to present with asystole if it has not yet recovered from the cardiac arrest event.

While normal sinus rhythm is the desired outcome of defibrillation, it is fairly uncommon to witness this rhythm immediately after a shock. Atrial fibrillation is not typically seen in pediatric patients during arrest events, as it usually occurs in older populations with structural heart changes. Ventricular tachycardia can be a rhythm seen during resuscitation efforts but is often followed by more severe arrhythmias or asystole rather than appearing directly after a shock.