Question

your patient is anxious and complaining of palpitations and pain. bp 80/45, rr 20, afebrile. the cardiac monitor is showing the rhythm below.
identify the rhythm.

• ventricular tachycardia
• sinus tachycardia
• supraventricular tachycardia (svt) call for help (rapid), get code cart, prepare for immediate cardioversion.
• junctional tachycardia
• atrial fibrillation

Explanation:

Analyze the ECG rhythm strip

• Rate: Extremely rapid, regular rhythm (approximately 180–200 bpm).
• QRS Complex: Narrow (less than 0.12 seconds / 3 small boxes).
• P Waves: Absent or buried within the preceding T waves due to the rapid rate.
• Interpretation: Regular, narrow-complex tachycardia consistent with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT).

Evaluate patient clinical status and management

• Clinical Presentation: Anxious, complaining of palpitations and pain.
• Vital Signs: Blood pressure is \(80/45\text{ mmHg}\) (hypotension/shock), respiratory rate is 20, afebrile.
• Clinical Decision: The patient is hemodynamically unstable due to the rapid heart rate (hypotension, chest pain). Immediate synchronized cardioversion is indicated.

Answer:

• Ventricular Tachycardia
• Sinus Tachycardia
• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) call for help (Rapid), get code cart, prepare for immediate cardioversion. (Correct answer)
• Junctional Tachycardia
• Atrial Fibrillation