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A responder is caring for a patient with a history of CHF. The patient is experiencing SOB, BP of 68/50 mm Hg, and a HR of 190/min. The patient's lead II ECG is displayed above. Which of the following terms best describes this patient?

User Dhardy
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Final answer:

The patient is experiencing tachycardia with a HR of 190/min, which is significantly higher than the normal 60-100 bpm range and indicative of cardiovascular instability necessitating urgent medical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) exhibiting symptoms like shortness of breath (SOB), blood pressure (BP) of 68/50 mm Hg, and a heart rate (HR) of 190/min presents a classic case of tachycardia, given that a normal adult resting HR ranges from 60-100 bpm. The low BP and high HR suggest that the heart is not pumping efficiently enough to supply sufficient oxygenated blood to the body's tissues, exacerbating the patient's CHF condition. Relative bradycardia is not pertinent in this scenario because it pertains to a HR within the normal range, but with the presence of symptoms typically associated with a low HR. Treatment for this patient would likely involve immediate medical intervention to address the abnormal heart rates and underlying causes and may require the administration of medication, the use of a pacemaker, or other treatments depending on the identified cause of the tachycardia.

Considering the information provided, the patient is in a state of emergency and requires urgent care to stabilize their cardiovascular function. The ECG displaying lead II could help pinpoint the specific type of tachycardia and guide treatment decisions. It is crucial to understand that the patient needs supportive measures, such as supplemental oxygen, and potentially advanced cardiovascular life support.

User Tomuke
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