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 patient's lead II ECG is displayed below. (strip missing displays Unstable supraventricular tachycardia) Which of the following terms best describes this PT?

Answer 1

The patient is experiencing unstable supraventricular tachycardia, characterized by a fast and irregular heartbeat. This condition can cause symptoms like shortness of breath and low blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient is experiencing shortness of breath, a low blood pressure of 68/50 mm Hg, and a high heart rate of 190 beats per minute. Based on the provided ECG strip and given symptoms, the best term to describe this patient's condition is unstable supraventricular tachycardia.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a condition where the heart beats abnormally fast, usually above 150 beats per minute. It originates from abnormal electrical signals in the hearts' upper chambers (atria) or the atrioventricular (AV) node. SVT can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and chest discomfort.

The patient's low blood pressure and symptoms of hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood) could be a result of the heart's inability to properly pump blood due to the rapid and irregular heartbeat.