Primary Assessment
Identify and treat underlying cause:
- Cardiac monitor to identify rhythm
-Consider causes (Differential Diagnosis-see PEA for Hs and Ts for
some possibilities and treatments)
Ask these questions, does the patient have:
1. Hypotension? (decreased blood pressure SBP < 90
mmHg)
2. Altered mental status?
3. Signs of shock?
4. Ischemic chest discomfort?
5. Acute heart failure?
If the answer is NO to all of the these:
Assess Rapid Heart Rate as Narrow or Wide Complex Tachycardia?
QRS complex > 0.12
Is the rhythm irregular or regular?
If irregular, treatment:
Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia:
Treat Underlying Cause
- Consider antiarrythmic infusions
- Avoid AV blocking agents such as adenosine and Beta blockers and Calcium Channel blockers and Digoxin as these may increase the ventricular response.
