Final answer:
It is False that you should wait to cardiovert an unstable patient until a 12-lead ECG has been obtained. Immediate cardioversion to stabilize the patient takes precedence over diagnostic procedures, and while the ECG is valuable for cardiac assessment, it should not impede urgent treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether it is ok to wait to cardiovert an unstable patient until obtaining a 12-lead ECG is a matter of clinical urgency. The correct response is False. In emergency medicine, the priority for an unstable patient requiring cardioversion is to stabilize them as quickly as possible. While a 12-lead ECG provides valuable information on cardiac function, such as detecting infarcts and myocardial ischemia, it should not delay immediate treatment in life-threatening situations where delaying cardioversion can lead to further hemodynamic compromise. When a patient's condition is unstable, with symptoms such as severe chest pain, significant shortness of breath, altered mental status, hypotension, or shock, immediate cardioversion is essential to restore a stable rhythm and blood pressure.
A 12-lead ECG uses six electrodes placed on the chest and four on the limbs, offering comprehensive cardiac function evaluation. However, in the setting of acute instability, the emphasis is on rapid intervention over diagnostic procedures. Portable ECG monitors are available and can be used in various settings, but should not delay emergency treatment.