Paramedic National Registry Practice

What is a critical action for a patient with a pulse of 220 and BP 70/?

1. Administer Asprin

2. Sync cardiovert/consider Adenosine

3. Increase fluid resuscitation

4. Administer beta-blockers

The correct answer is: Sync cardiovert/consider Adenosine

In the scenario of a patient exhibiting a pulse of 220 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 70 mmHg, the situation suggests the presence of a severe tachycardia, possibly indicating a life-threatening arrhythmia. The critical action to take in this case involves either the use of synchronized cardioversion or administering adenosine, both of which are appropriate for managing unstable tachycardias. Synchronized cardioversion is essential for immediate intervention in a patient who is experiencing symptoms due to rapid heart rates and unstable hemodynamics, such as the low blood pressure observed here. Synchronized cardioversion delivers an electrical shock to the heart in a controlled manner, allowing for the restoration of a normal rhythm. Additionally, adenosine can be used for specific types of supraventricular tachycardias; it works by temporarily blocking conduction through the AV node, which may terminate the tachycardia. While administering aspirin, increasing fluid resuscitation, or beta-blockers may have their places in various pre-hospital and hospital settings, they are not the most effective immediate interventions for a patient presenting with severe tachycardia and low blood pressure. Aspirin is typically utilized for its antiplatelet effects in