Question

If the patient has unstable tachycardia, perform immediate synchronized cardioversion.

A)If the QRS is narrow and irregular, cardiovert at 120-200 Joules.
B)If the patient has bradycardia, perform synchronized cardioversion.
C)If the QRS is narrow and regular, cardiovert at 50-100 Joules.
D)If the QRS is wide and regular, administer medication.

Answer 1

Immediate synchronized cardioversion is essential for treating unstable tachycardia, with the energy level varying based on the characteristics of the tachycardia. Narrow and irregular QRS complexes warrant
`120-200` Joules, while narrow and regular QRS complexes require
`50-100 Joules`. Chronic arrhythmias might need an artificial pacemaker or built-in defibrillator for management.

Step-by-step explanation:

When dealing with unstable tachycardia, immediate medical intervention is critical. Immediate synchronized cardioversion is a procedure where a controlled electric shock is delivered in sync with the cardiac cycle to convert an abnormal heart rhythm back to normal. Parameters for cardioversion usually depend on the specific characteristics of the tachycardia. For instance, if the QRS is narrow and irregular, cardioversion should be performed with energy settings typically ranging from
`120 to 200 Joules` . However, if the QRS is narrow and regular, lower energy levels of
`50 to 100 Joules` are often indicated. Contrarily, with a wide and regular QRS complex, medication is usually considered before electrical cardioversion. The incorrect statements such as using cardioversion for bradycardia, which is typically treated with medication or pacing, should be disregarded.

In more chronic cases, cardiologists may implant an artificial pacemaker, which sends electrical impulses to promote proper heart rhythms, and in some cases, these devices include defibrillators to treat life-threatening arrhythmias on the spot. During surgeries or extreme emergencies, defibrillators deliver precise levels of electrical current to restore normal heart rhythm or revert cardiac arrest. The applied voltage is determined by the required current and the resistance of the path through the body.