Question

A 26-year-old male patient, who has been diagnosed with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), is being treated in the emergency department. The patient is experiencing occasional runs of PSVT lasting up to several minutes at a time. During these episodes, the patient becomes lightheaded but does not lose consciousness. Which of the following maneuvers may be used to interrupt the patient's atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT)? Select all that apply.

a) Stimulating the patient's gag reflex
b) Performing carotid massage
c) Instructing the patient to breathe deeply
d) Placing the patient's face in cold water
e) Instructing the patient to vigorously exercise

Answer 1

To interrupt atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), stimulating the gag reflex, performing carotid massage, and placing the patient's face in cold water can be effective maneuvers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a condition characterized by abnormal heart rhythm originating in the atria. To interrupt atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) in a patient, several maneuvers can be used:

1. Stimulating the patient's gag reflex: This can activate the vagus nerve, which helps slow down the heart rate.
2. Performing carotid massage: By applying gentle pressure to the carotid artery, the baroreceptors may be stimulated to slow down the heart rate.
3. Placing the patient's face in cold water: The cold water stimulates the trigeminal nerve, leading to increased parasympathetic activity and a decrease in heart rate.