Question

You are treating a patient with a heart rate of 186/min. Which symptom, if present, suggests an unstable tachycardia?

1) Chest pain
2) Dizziness
3) Shortness of breath
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath in a patient with a heart rate of 186/min are indicative of unstable tachycardia, which is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you are treating a patient with a heart rate of 186/min, and they are exhibiting symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, these may suggest the patient has an unstable tachycardia. While tachycardia is generally defined as a heart rate (HR) above 100 beats per minute (bpm), it's important to note that a resting heart rate above 100 bpm is not normal except in specific circumstances such as for children or during pregnancy. In the case of tachycardia that involves only the atria, some individuals may remain asymptomatic. Nevertheless, the presence of symptoms such as chest pain, which could indicate angina, dizziness, and shortness of breath or dyspnea, often are warning signs that the tachycardia is compromising the heart's ability to provide sufficient oxygenated blood to the body. Treatment of tachycardia depends on the underlying cause and may include a range of interventions from medications to surgery.