Question

A client with underlying sinus tachycardia experiences frequent short episodes of VT, what lab test does the nurse expect the HCP will evaluate to determine a possible cause of ventricular tachycardia?

A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Chloride
D. Magnesium

Answer 1

The healthcare provider will likely evaluate potassium levels to determine the cause of ventricular tachycardia, as altered potassium levels can lead to arrhythmias.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client with underlying sinus tachycardia is experiencing frequent short episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT), the healthcare provider (HCP) will likely evaluate potassium levels to determine a possible cause of ventricular tachycardia.

Potassium has a significant impact on the heart's electrical activity and is critical for maintaining the normal wave of depolarization. Altered levels of potassium, either hypo- or hyperkalemia (low or high potassium levels, respectively), can lead to arrhythmias. Hypokalemia can lead to tachycardia, while hyperkalemia can cause the heart to become weak and potentially fail.

Other electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium, and calcium also affect heart rates and contractility, but potassium's role in cardiac function, particularly in the context of arrhythmias like VT, highlights its clinical significance.