NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamCardiology & ResuscitationMedium
A 45-year-old male is experiencing sudden onset of palpitations, lightheadedness, and a feeling of 'racing heart.' His pulse is 160 bpm, regular, and weak. He is alert but anxious. His blood pressure is 100/70 mmHg, and he denies chest pain or shortness of breath. Based on these findings, how would you classify this patient's condition?
- AUnstable tachycardia
- BStable bradycardia
- CUnstable bradycardia
- DStable tachycardia
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Stable tachycardia
This patient presents with a rapid heart rate (tachycardia, >100 bpm) and symptoms such as palpitations and lightheadedness. However, his blood pressure is 100/70 mmHg, which is not indicative of acute decompensation (e.g., hypotension, altered mental status, signs of shock). Therefore, he is classified as having stable tachycardia.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Unstable tachycardia would involve significant signs of decompensation such as hypotension (<90 mmHg systolic), acute altered mental status, signs of shock, or acute heart failure, which are not present here.
- B. Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate (<60 bpm), which is incorrect for this patient's HR of 160 bpm.
- C. Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate. Unstable implies signs of shock or severe compromise, which is not present here.
Stable vs. Unstable Tachycardia
Tachycardia is a heart rate over 100 bpm. It is classified as stable if the patient is symptomatic but without signs of acute circulatory compromise, and unstable if there are signs of shock, acute heart failure, or severe hypotension.
- Stable: HR > 100 bpm, symptomatic (palpitations, lightheadedness) but vital signs relatively maintained.
- Unstable: HR > 100 bpm with hypotension, altered mental status, signs of shock, or acute heart failure.
- EMT management differs significantly between stable and unstable.
Memory trick: Fast Heart, Check for Shock!