A code has been called on a 50 year male on the medicine ward due to no pulse. Advanced Cardiac Life Support protocol is begun and the first rhythm strip demonstrates ventricular tachycardia. What is the first choice of treatment for a patient with unstable ventricular tachycardia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a patient with unstable ventricular tachycardia the first treatment of choice of unsynchronized cardioversion. As this patient is pulseless a direct high energy (360J with a monophasic defibrillator or 200J with a biphasic defibrillator) unsynchronised cardioversion should be performed.

A Code Has Been Called on a 50 Year Male