11.3 MTB Step 3 - Arrhythmias (V-Tach & V-Fib) Flashcards
Cards Complete:
VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA (V-TACH)
PRESENTATION
What are the (4) ways V-Tach can present?
- Palpitations
- Chest Pain
- Syncope
- Sudden Death
VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA (V-TACH)
DIAGNOSIS
- What is the Best INITIAL Diagnostic Test for V-Tach?
- What should be ordered IF the Best Initial Test does NOT detect V-Tach?
- What is the Most ACCURATE Diagnostic Test for V-Tach?
- ECG
- Telemetry Monitoring
- Electrophysiologic Studies
VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA (V-TACH)
TREATMENT
What are (4) Medication options for a Hemodynamically Stable patient with Persistent V-Tach?
- Procainamide
- Amiodarone
- Lidocaine
- Magnesium
VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA (V-TACH)
TREATMENT
What is the Therapy option for a Hemodynamically Unstable patient with Persistent V-Tach?
Synchronized Cardioversion
VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA (V-TACH)
DIAGNOSIS
Which Cardiac Condition is simply V-Tach with an Undulating Amplitude?
Torsade de Pointes
VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA (V-TACH)
Which (2) Therapies should ALWAYS be given for Torsade de Pointes?
- Magnesium
- Medical or Electrical therapy
VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION (V-FIB)
PRESENTATION
How does V-Fib present?
Sudden Death
VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION (V-FIB)
What is the Best Diagnostic Test for V-Fib?
ECG
VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION (V-FIB)
What is ALWAYS the Best INITIAL Treatment for V-Fib?
Unsynchronized Cardioversion
Unsynchronized Cardioversion (defibrillation) is administered as follows:
- Continue CPR
- Reattempt Defibrillation
- Epinephrine (IV)
- Reattempt Defibrillation
- Amiodarone (IV) or Lidocaine (IV)
- Reattempt Defibrillation
- Repeat several cycles of CPR between each shock
VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION (V-FIB)
What is the Mechanism of “Need for Synchronization” with V-Fib?
- The T-wave represents the Refractory Period.
- An electrical shock delivered during the T-wave can set off a worse rhythm (specifically, Asystole and Ventricular Fibrillation).
- Do NOT deliver a shock during the refractory period (T-wave).