Your patient is a 54-year-old male who is unresponsive and cyanotic and has agonal respirations. A "quick look" shows ventricular tachycardia. Which of the following is most important when determining the immediate treatment of this patient?
A) How long he has been "down"
B) Whether he has a pulse
C) Whether he is allergic to lidocaine
D) Whether he has an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most important factor in determining the immediate treatment of an unresponsive patient in ventricular tachycardia with agonal respirations is whether or not the patient has a pulse. If the patient has no pulse, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated, followed by defibrillation. If the patient has a pulse and is in stable condition, antiarrhythmic medication such as lidocaine may be considered. The length of time the patient has been unresponsive, allergies, and the presence of an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator may be important for long-term management and treatment decisions but are not as immediately important as assessing for a pulse.

Your Patient Is a 54-Year-Old Male Who Is Unresponsive and Cyanotic