Which condition is indicated by absent breathing and pulse?

The condition indicated by absent breathing and pulse is cardiac arrest. In this critical situation, the heart has stopped pumping blood effectively, leading to a cessation of blood flow to vital organs, including the brain. Without a pulse, the individual cannot circulate oxygenated blood, which results in immediate life-threatening consequences.

Cardiac arrest often occurs due to a variety of underlying issues, such as an arrhythmia, heart attack, or severe trauma. Recognizing this condition is paramount as immediate intervention, including CPR and defibrillation, can be lifesaving. The absence of breathing complements the absence of a pulse, indicating that the individual is not receiving oxygen, which necessitates urgent medical intervention.

While other conditions such as stroke or shock can affect breathing and pulse, they do not typically present with the complete absence of both. Respiratory failure might lead to breathing difficulties but tends to still have a pulse initially until it progresses to cardiac arrest. Thus, the scenario described specifically aligns with the characteristics of cardiac arrest.