Paramedic National Registry Practice

What condition often requires synchronizing cardiovert in emergency medicine?

1. Bradycardia

2. Ventricular Fibrillation

3. Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia

4. Atrial Fibrillation

The correct answer is: Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia

Synchronizing cardioversion is a critical intervention used primarily in emergencies for certain types of tachyarrhythmias. In the case of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), it can be life-threatening and often manifests with a weak pulse or the patient might be symptomatic, experiencing dizziness or chest pain. When performing synchronized cardioversion, the device is set to identify and deliver a shock that aligns with the R wave of the QRS complex on the ECG. This reduces the risk of inducing ventricular fibrillation, which could occur if a shock is delivered during the vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle. Sustained ventricular tachycardia typically requires this synchronized approach because it is a rapid heart rhythm that may not be compatible with maintaining adequate cardiac output. If not corrected promptly, sustained VT can deteriorate into more severe arrhythmias. In contrast, conditions like bradycardia don't typically benefit from cardioversion; ventricular fibrillation requires unsynchronized defibrillation, and atrial fibrillation may be treated with either synchronized cardioversion or medications, depending on the clinical scenario and patient stability.