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Supraventricular tachycardia — PARA MCQ

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HardGeneral Medicine - CardiologySupraventricular tachycardiaPARA

A stable adult has a regular narrow-complex tachycardia at 190 beats/min. Vagal manoeuvres fail. Continuous ECG monitoring, intravenous access and resuscitation facilities are ready. Which treatment sequence is appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Give rapid IV adenosine 6mg followed by 12mg

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · C = shown as D · B = shown as E

C is correct. For a stable regular narrow-complex tachycardia persisting after vagal manoeuvres, the Resuscitation Council UK algorithm uses rapid intravenous adenosine 6 mg, followed by 12 mg if unsuccessful, with rhythm recording and resuscitation capability. A provides neither acute monitored conversion nor observation. B is inappropriate without instability and is unsynchronised. D is not the next algorithm step. E treats bradycardia rather than this tachyarrhythmia.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK: 2025 adult advanced life support guidelines: https://www.resus.org.uk/professional-library/2025-resuscitation-guidelines/adult-advanced-life-support-guidelines GMC: PA registration assessment content map: https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/standards-and-outcomes/pa-and-aa-prequalification-education-framework/pa-registration-assessment-content-map