Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is a common treatment for a patient with symptomatic tachycardia and normal pressure?

1. Medication only

2. Vagal maneuvers and oxygen

3. Immediate defibrillation

4. Cardiac monitoring

The correct answer is: Vagal maneuvers and oxygen

The most appropriate treatment for a patient experiencing symptomatic tachycardia with normal blood pressure typically includes vagal maneuvers and the provision of oxygen. Vagal maneuvers, such as the Valsalva maneuver or carotid massage, can help stimulate the vagus nerve and potentially slow down the heart rate by interrupting the reentrant circuits responsible for the tachycardia. This non-invasive approach is often preferred as an initial intervention, particularly when the patient is stable with normal pressures. Additionally, administering oxygen can support the patient, ensuring adequate oxygenation during episodes of tachycardia, which might be symptomatic. It's important to provide supportive care and monitor the patient's response to these interventions, rather than jumping directly to more aggressive treatments. Medication may be required in some instances, but it is usually considered if vagal maneuvers are unsuccessful or if the patient exhibits more severe symptoms. Immediate defibrillation is reserved for life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and cardiac monitoring is an essential component of ongoing assessment but does not directly address the symptomatic tachycardia itself. Thus, the combination of vagal maneuvers and oxygen is a practical and effective first