In sustained ventricular tachycardia with a pulse and a stable patient, what is the initial management?

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Multiple Choice

In sustained ventricular tachycardia with a pulse and a stable patient, what is the initial management?

In sustained ventricular tachycardia with a pulse and a stable patient, the goal is to rapidly restore normal rhythm to prevent deterioration. Synchronized cardioversion delivers an electric shock timed to the QRS complex, which can terminate the tachycardia efficiently while preserving the heart’s rhythm, making it the most direct and effective initial option in this scenario. This approach is preferred over defibrillation, which is used when there is no pulse, and over CPR or vagal maneuvers, which are ineffective for terminating VT. After converting to a stable rhythm, you would continue with assessment and consider antiarrhythmic therapy to prevent recurrence.

In sustained ventricular tachycardia with a pulse and a stable patient, the goal is to rapidly restore normal rhythm to prevent deterioration. Synchronized cardioversion delivers an electric shock timed to the QRS complex, which can terminate the tachycardia efficiently while preserving the heart’s rhythm, making it the most direct and effective initial option in this scenario. This approach is preferred over defibrillation, which is used when there is no pulse, and over CPR or vagal maneuvers, which are ineffective for terminating VT. After converting to a stable rhythm, you would continue with assessment and consider antiarrhythmic therapy to prevent recurrence.

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