Question

A responder is caring for a patient with a history of congestive heart failure. The patient is experiencing shortness of breath, a blood pressure of 68/50 mm Hg, and a heart rate of 190/min. The patent's lead il ECG is displayed here. Which best characterizes this patient's rhythm?

Answer 1

The patient is experiencing tachycardia with a heart rate of 190/min, which is well above the normal resting heart rate, suggesting severe cardiovascular distress likely related to their congestive heart failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient in question is experiencing a heart rate of 190/min, which is significantly above the normal adult resting HR range of 60-100 bpm, indicating tachycardia. This, along with symptoms like shortness of breath and low blood pressure (68/50 mm Hg), suggests that the patient's heart may not be providing enough oxygenated blood to body tissues. The patient's history of congestive heart failure exacerbates this condition. While the provided information does not include the ECG for analysis, the symptoms are consistent with severe tachycardia, which may require immediate medical attention to address potential underlying causes such as electrolyte imbalances, heart disorders, or the effects of medications.