The patient is alert and talking when the nurse notices the following rhythm.The patient's blood pressure is 90/44 mm Hg.The nurse should
A) defibrillate immediately.
B) begin basic life support.
C) begin advanced life support.
D) treat with intravenous amiodarone or lidocaine.

Question

The patient is alert and talking when the nurse notices the following rhythm.The patient's blood pressure is 90/44 mm Hg.The nurse should 
A) defibrillate immediately. 
B) begin basic life support. 
C) begin advanced life support. 
D) treat with intravenous amiodarone or lidocaine.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ventricular tachycardia (VT)is a rapid,life-threatening dysrhythmia originating from a single ectopic focus in the ventricles.It is characterized by at least three PVCs in a row.VT occurs at a rate greater than 100 beats per minute,but the rate is usually around 150 beats per minute and may be up to 250 beats per minute.Depolarization of the ventricles is abnormal and produces a widened QRS complex.The patient may or may not have a pulse.Determine whether the patient has a pulse.If no pulse is present,provide emergent basic and advanced life-support interventions,including defibrillation.If a pulse is present and the blood pressure is stable,the patient can be treated with intravenous amiodarone or lidocaine.

The Patient Is Alert and Talking When the Nurse Notices