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Wide complex tachycardia stable — DipIMC MCQ

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HardResuscitationWide complex tachycardia stableDipIMC

A 69-year-old has a regular broad-complex tachycardia at 160/min. He is alert, pain free and has blood pressure 118/70 mmHg with no heart-failure signs. The rhythm is not confidently identified. What is the most appropriate immediate strategy?

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Correct answer: E — Treat as ventricular tachycardia and seek expert-guided drug therapy

The best answer is “Treat as ventricular tachycardia and seek expert-guided drug therapy”. An uncertain regular broad-complex tachycardia should be managed as ventricular tachycardia. In the absence of life-threatening adverse features, obtain a twelve-lead ECG, seek expert help and use the current antiarrhythmic pathway with continuous monitoring. Synchronised cardioversion is required if adverse features develop; unsynchronised shock is for pulseless or polymorphic rhythms.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK 2025, Adult advanced life support: https://www.resus.org.uk/professional-library/2025-resuscitation-guidelines/adult-advanced-life-support-guidelines