Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing SVT. Upon assessing the client, the nurse observes the following findings: heart rate 200 / min, blood pressure 78/40, and respiratory rate 30/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

1) Administer a beta blocker medication
2) Administer a calcium channel blocker medication
3) Administer a diuretic medication
4) Administer a vasopressor medication

Answer 1

In a case of SVT with low blood pressure and high respiratory rate, the nurse should prioritize administering a medication like a calcium channel blocker to manage the heart rate and blood pressure, while carefully considering the effects of beta blockers.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client experiencing Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) with a heart rate of 200/min, blood pressure of 78/40, and a respiratory rate of 30/min is displaying signs of hemodynamic instability. In this scenario, the priority is to stabilize the heart rate and blood pressure. Administering a beta blocker can slow the heart rate by blocking the beta-1 receptors (where norepinephrine (NE) binds), but caution must be taken to avoid overprescription which can lead to bradycardia or cardiac arrest. A calcium channel blocker may also be used to decrease the rate and strength of the heart's contractions and slow down the overall heart rate. Diuretics are not appropriate in this situation as they manage fluid overload and do not primarily affect heart rate. A vasopressor medication may help to increase blood pressure but would not directly address the high heart rate caused by SVT. Given the client's symptoms and potential risks, the most suitable initial action would likely be the administration of a calcium channel blocker to lower the heart rate and stabilize the blood pressure.