Final answer:
Transcutaneous pacing (TCP) is a procedure used to treat bradycardia. Indications for TCP include bradycardia with symptomatic ventricular escape rhythms, hemodynamically unstable bradycardia, and unstable third-degree AV block. TCP is ineffective for treating asystole.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transcutaneous pacing (TCP) is a procedure used to treat certain types of bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate. It involves applying electrical stimulation directly to the skin to pace the heart and increase the heart rate. Indications for TCP include bradycardia with symptomatic ventricular escape rhythms, hemodynamically unstable bradycardia, and unstable third-degree AV block.
However, TCP is ineffective for treating asystole, which is the absence of any electrical activity in the heart. In the case of asystole, other measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and administration of medications are used.