Final answer:
The first question in the ACLS tachycardia algorithm is to assess patient stability based on symptoms, and then to evaluate the heart's electrical activity and rhythm to determine the appropriate intervention, which may include the use of an AED or CPR.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ACLS tachycardia algorithm is whether the patient is stable or unstable, with a focus on the presence of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, decreased level of consciousness, or hypotension. The algorithm is designed to address tachycardia with a pulse, and decisions are based on the stability of the patient, the QRS width (narrow or wide), and if the tachycardia is regular or irregular.
It is imperative to assess the patient's heart rate (pulse), and in the context of clinical scenarios where the electrical activity of the heart is abnormal, as referenced in the provided information, one would expect that the heart rate could be irregular or abnormally fast, leading to potential hemodynamic instability. An AED may be required if the rhythm is shockable (as with ventricular fibrillation), and CPR is recommended before AED use in many cases.