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Unstable ventricular tachycardia — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardCardiovascular emergenciesUnstable ventricular tachycardiaRCPSC EM

A patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy has a regular wide-complex tachycardia at 190/min, a palpable pulse, confusion and BP 72/40 mmHg. What is the immediate rhythm treatment?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: BPerform synchronized cardioversion with analgesia or sedation if circulation permits

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

B is correct for unstable monomorphic wide-complex tachycardia. C and D are options for selected stable presentations but do not treat shock. E is used for pulseless VT/VF or when synchronization cannot be achieved in a crashing rhythm. A does not address electrical instability.

Reference: Emergency Care BC, Diagnosis of STEMI Equivalents: https://emergencycarebc.ca/clinical_resource/clinical-summary/diagnosis-of-stemi-equivalents/